Chapter 2Chapter 2

Technology as a SystemTechnology as a System

Technological systems include the Technological systems include the following 5 components.following 5 components. Goals, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Feedback and ControlGoals, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Feedback and Control

Goals – Humans develop technology to meet certain human Goals – Humans develop technology to meet certain human needs. This is basically anything we have today. needs. This is basically anything we have today. Radar for example.Radar for example.

Inputs – Inputs – are the resources that go into the system and are are the resources that go into the system and are used by the system. These items are consumed by the system.used by the system. These items are consumed by the system.

There are 7 components that make up inputsThere are 7 components that make up inputs

PeoplePeople – Most important input. They provide know-how, management, – Most important input. They provide know-how, management, labor and policies.labor and policies.

MaterialsMaterials – are the substances from which artifacts (human made – are the substances from which artifacts (human made objects) are made.objects) are made.

Tools and MachinesTools and Machines – tools are the artifacts we use to expand what – tools are the artifacts we use to expand what we are able to do. Ex. Hammers and screwdrivers. Machines amplify the we are able to do. Ex. Hammers and screwdrivers. Machines amplify the speed, amount, or direction of a force.speed, amount, or direction of a force.

EnergyEnergy – the ability to do work. It can be human muscle, nuclear power – the ability to do work. It can be human muscle, nuclear power or heat energy to sound energy. or heat energy to sound energy.

InformationInformation – essential for operating all technology systems. It is – essential for operating all technology systems. It is organized data made up from facts and figuresorganized data made up from facts and figures

FinancesFinances – money and credit necessary for the economic system to – money and credit necessary for the economic system to operate.operate.

TimeTime

Processes – Processes – A series of identifiable tasks that need A series of identifiable tasks that need to be completed.to be completed. There are 3 types…..There are 3 types…..

1. Problem Solving – This requires creative action1. Problem Solving – This requires creative action Identify the ProblemIdentify the Problem Develop SolutionsDevelop Solutions Isolating, refining and detailing best solutionsIsolating, refining and detailing best solutions Modeling and evaluating the solutionModeling and evaluating the solution Communicate the final solutionCommunicate the final solution

2. Production Processes – actions that are completed to perform 2. Production Processes – actions that are completed to perform the function of the technological system.the function of the technological system.

3. Management Processes3. Management Processes – – Actions people use to Actions people use to ensure that the production processes operate ensure that the production processes operate efficiently and appropriately.efficiently and appropriately. The following activities need to take place in the Management The following activities need to take place in the Management

Process…..Process….. Planning – Setting goals and developing courses of action to Planning – Setting goals and developing courses of action to

reach the goal.reach the goal. Organizing – Divide the tasks into major segments and assigns Organizing – Divide the tasks into major segments and assigns

resources to each task.resources to each task. Actuating – Starting the system to operate by assigning and Actuating – Starting the system to operate by assigning and

supervising worksupervising work Controlling – Comparing system output to the goal.Controlling – Comparing system output to the goal.

Outputs – Outputs – Produced products or Produced products or Manufactured products. This is the desired Manufactured products. This is the desired outcome of the process.outcome of the process.

Feedback and Control – Feedback and Control – Use if information Use if information about the outputs of a process or system to about the outputs of a process or system to regulate the system.regulate the system.

Example…….Example…….

What is DATA, INFORMATION and KNOWLEDGE?What is DATA, INFORMATION and KNOWLEDGE? Data – is facts and figuresData – is facts and figures

Information – is organized dataInformation – is organized data

Knowledge - is the use of information to understand, interpret, or Knowledge - is the use of information to understand, interpret, or describe a specific situation or series of events.describe a specific situation or series of events.

Test your knowledge page 41. Write the question and answer on a Test your knowledge page 41. Write the question and answer on a separate sheet for you to use on the quiz. separate sheet for you to use on the quiz.

Plus the crossword puzzle. Plus the crossword puzzle.