Dependency Visualization For Complex System Understanding

Dependency Visualization for Complex System Understanding

Using Influence to Understand Complex Systems

This thesis is concerned with understanding the behavior of complex systems, particularly in the common case where instrumentation data is noisy or incomplete. We begin with an empirical study of logs from production systems, which characterizes the content of those logs and the challenges associated with analyzing them automatically, and present an algorithm for identifying surprising messages in such logs. The principal contribution is a method, called influence, that identifies relationships among components---even when the underlying mechanism of interaction is unknown---by looking for correlated surprise. Two components are said to share an influence if they tend to exhibit surprising behavior that is correlated in time. We represent the behavior of components as surprise (deviation from typical or expected behavior) over time and use signal-processing techniques to find correlations. The method makes few assumptions about the underlying systems or the data they generate, so it is applicable to a variety of unmodified production systems, including supercomputers, clusters, and autonomous vehicles. We then extend the idea of influence by presenting a query language and online implementation, which allow the method to scale to systems with hundreds of thousands of signals. In collaboration with system administrators, we applied these tools to real systems and discovered correlated problems, failure cascades, skewed clocks, and performance bugs. According to the administrators, it also generated information useful for diagnosing and fixing these issues.

Understanding Systems Theory

At its core, systems theory is an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex and interconnected nature of various elements within a system. It transcends traditional approaches that focus on individual components, advocating for a holistic perspective. Systems theory examines how parts of a system interact, influence each other, and contribute to the system’s overall behavior and outcomes. This approach is crucial in today’s world, where challenges are increasingly complex and interlinked, requiring solutions that consider the entirety of the system. Understanding Systems Theory is tailored for a broad audience. It serves as an essential resource for students across disciplines such as business, engineering, social sciences, and environmental studies, providing a foundational understanding of systems thinking. For academics and researchers, it offers in-depth analyses and the latest developments in systems theory. Professionals and practitioners will find practical applications and strategies to address systemic challenges in their respective fields, from organizational management to environmental sustainability. This book demystifies systems theory, breaking it down into digestible concepts, illustrated with real-world examples and case studies. It systematically guides the reader through the key principles, methodologies, and applications of systems thinking. Each chapter is crafted to build upon the previous one, gradually deepening the reader’s understanding while maintaining clarity and accessibility. Understanding Systems Theory is organized into ten distinct but interconnected parts, each focusing on a different aspect of systems theory: Introduction to Systems Theory: Laying the foundational concepts and significance of systems thinking Foundations of Systems Theory: Delving into the core principles and elements that constitute systems System Modeling and Analysis: Exploring methodologies and tools for modeling and analyzing systems Systems in Various Domains: Applying systems theory across different sectors and disciplines Advanced Systems Theory Concepts: Discussing more complex and emerging ideas in systems theory Systems Thinking Tools and Techniques: Providing practical tools and techniques for implementing systems thinking Organizational Systems and Change: Focusing on the application of systems theory in organizational contexts Contemporary Issues in Systems Theory: Addressing modern challenges and the role of systems thinking in resolving them Systems Theory in Research and Education: Exploring the role of systems theory in academic research and educational curricula Applied Systems Theory: Demonstrating the practical applications of systems theory in various real-world scenarios Each part consists of carefully structured chapters that progress from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of systems theory and its vast applicability. We invite you on this journey through Understanding Systems Theory, confident that it will enrich your perspective and equip you with the tools to think and act systemically in an increasingly interconnected world.