A system is a set of interdependent parts which together form a unitary whole that performs some function. Essentially, the parts must be interdependent and/or interacting. A heap of components may form a ‘whole’ but not necessarily a system unless arranged, say, to form a machine. Any system can be shown to be a sub-system of some larger system. Thus a carburettor is a sub-system of the car engine and a sub-sub-system of the car itself.
In order to understand how a system fulfils its function, it is useful to know how all its parts are related to each other and how the system is to be linked to the larger system that constitutes its environment. The way a watch measures time can be deduced ...
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