Definition of complex systems!

There are several definitions for complex systems. Giving a sharp definition of a complex system is hard since the term is used in a wide variety of contexts. However, most of the definitions contain the following common parts:

1) Complex systems are those which are composed of many (often heterogeneous) components. The components – they are often called agents- are highly woven together.

2) Complex systems are those which there are interactions among their components. The interactions are dynamic and nonlinear. Interactions make the characteristics of the whole system different than collective characteristics of each component.

3) Complex systems are those which have complex components as well!

4) Complex systems are those which have within themselves the capacity to respond to their environments in more than one way.

The main objective of science of complexity is to figure out how groups of components (agents) work together. A complex system can be our brain, an economy, an ecosystem, Lund University, Packaging logistics, Supply chains, Sustainable supply chains, etc.
Lund University is a good example of a complex system because:

1) It is constituted of many heterogeneous agents namely faculties, departments, divisions, research groups, etc.

2) There are huge interactions among faculties as well as among faculties and industry, society, research organizations, etc. In fact, Lund University is more than just collection of its faculties.

3) Each faculty, or other agents of the university, is a complex system by itself. For example, LTH which is one of the eight faculties has several heterogeneous complex subsystems like departments. Departments are again by themselves complex systems. For example, department of design sciences at LTH is constituted of several complex subsystems like divisions. Divisions are again by themselves complex systems. For example, division of packaging logistics at department of design sciences is constituted of several diverse research groups (like sustainable-, innovative-, intelligent-, traceable-, food-, complex adaptive- packaging logistics, etc). Furthermore, there are massive and diverse interactions among its research groups as well as among research groups and other groups at Lund University, society, politicians, governors, industries, etc.

4) It can respond to different environments in different ways. Such environments can be the society, the country (Sweden), the continent (Europe), or the World.

In the next post, other examples of complex systems will be mentioned and discussed. The examples will be mainly about supply chains and logistics.