CC BY
4DOI: 10.24412/cl-37100-2023-12-225-232
A. Trantin, M. Rubin, N. Schedrin Lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems in business
SUMMARY
The article deals with the upper level of structure and specific features of function-and-targeted systems. The general laws and lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems are described in short. Also, the thesis is proved that business-systems are a private case of function-and-targeted systems and are subjected to the laws of their evolution. Specific features of laws and lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems in the sphere of business are shown. The novelty of the work consists in the formation of the complex approach, which demonstrates that the more general laws and lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems are fully applicable to businesssystems.
Key words: function-and-targeted systems, trends of evolution of function-and-targeted systems, lines of evolution of business-systems.
INTRODUCTION
Quite a number of authors devoted their publications to the topic of forming and actualization of Laws of evolution of systems, first of all, of technical systems. In spite of the fact that the Laws of technical systems evolution (LTSE), developed by G.S.Altshuller in 1977 [1], became a basis for forming the theory of inventive problem solving, (TRIZ), LTSE remain one of the most important parts and the basis of TRIZ. These laws enable not only to research the process of technology evolution, but also to forecast the trends of this evolution. In this article the authors don't set the goal to deeply analyze different approaches and different variants of LTSE (and other variants of laws, trends and lines of evolution), but concentrate on applicability of Laws of evolution of functional-and-targeted systems, developed by M.S.Rubin, N.A Schedrin and I.L.Misiuchenko to businesssystems [2].
Before we pass over to the laws, it is worth to begin with quoting a number of definitions, which can illustrate the specific features of the described approach. Function-and-targeted system is a system, which is formed for the purpose of performing a set of useful functions and attainment of goals in keeping with the requirements of supersystems and operation principle of the given system. Function-and-targeted system is formed based on the principle of self-organization, natural or artificial selection or as a result of a targeted actions of one of the supersystems. The following systems can be related to function-and-targeted systems: biological systems, technical systems, social, economic, scientific and other systems. Thus, the word combination function-and-targeted systems is fundamentally a more universal term, which enables the authors to apply laws and lines to a broader circle of phenomena.
Sets of LTSE are not characterized by the necessary level of generalization, however, extensive experience is accumulated concerning the practical use of these trends for evolution of technical systems and solving inventive problems. To unite the generalizing quality of these laws with their instrumentality, according to the opinion of the authors, is possible as a result of formulating the laws of evolution for function-and-targeted systems.
The essence of this approach can be worded in the form of the following basic theses:
- The main object of description in the set of laws proposed by the authors is the evolution of function-and-targeted systems, not the technical systems and their evolution;
- The key issue in the description of function-and-targeted systems will not be the main useful function of this or that object, but its operation principle, which implies not one function, but a set of functions, which is characteristic of this object;
- Complex of laws of evolution of function-and-targeted systems will contain laws, conclusions from the laws and the lines of system evolution;
- It is proposed to use not only the lines of system evolution, but also the planes of evolution (combination of two evolution lines as axes of a plane) and the space of evolution (combination of three and more lines as axes of space of evolution).
Law of evolution of function-and-targeted system (LEFTS) is an objective law, which contains a description of a sustainable direction of evolution of function-and-targeted system, providing for enhancement of its competitive ability at the level of system phylogenesis. Laws of evolution of function-and-targeted systems are internally non-controversial. Each law can have its elaboration in the form of consequences from the law. LEFTS offer a basis for formulating the lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems, methods of analysis of function-and-targeted systems and forecasting their development. Hierarchy of LEFTS complex is based on the supremacy of a law of increasing ideality.
BASIC PART
Approaches to formation of trends and lines of evolution in business
Based on the existing methods, which can be used for formation and use of evolution lines in business, the authors single out three methods 3 (Fig.1).
Fig. 1
Each of the said methods has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, direct transfer of LTSE into the sphere of business looks fairly simply, however, the fact is not taken into account that business is a complicated socio-technical system, which is essentially different from a simple TS. The second method, which presupposes the work with collections of cards with inventions (as it was presupposed from the outset, when they started to develop TRIZ), looks more precise from the standpoint of underlying doctrines, however, is rather problematic, since it will require colossal time expenditures, developing a method of work with a collection of cards, etc. Based on the above, the authors decided to take the third way in their research and applied general laws and lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems to business-systems with corresponding elaboration of details.
Model of line of evolution of function-and-targeted system
The work with lines of evolution could be presented diagrammatically in keeping with Fig. 2.
If the laws of system evolution needn't contain internal contradiction, the line of evolution should necessarily contain a contradiction. Here is a pattern for describing each evolution line: S Laws, constituting the basis for evolution line S Requirements of contradictions within evolution line
S IFR for the line of evolution - direction for resolving requirements contradiction S Steps along the line (there should be no less than 3 of them: meeting Requirement 1, meeting Requirement 2, step towards IFR for the purpose of solving contradiction of requirements). Example of line of evolution for business-systems
The authors propose the following set of evolution lines for business.
Lines of forming an organization (manufacturer and distributor):
BUS.4.1. Lines of forming the chains of creating values (CCV) in an organization
BUS.4.2. Line of forming an organization structure
Lines of product:
BUS.4.3. Line of business objects
BUS.4.4. Line of price and payment
BUS.4.5. Line of assortment
BUS.4.6. Line of market development
BUS.4.7. Line of customer development
As an example, let us quote the description of a line of product assortment. Based on the logic of above-described work, let us describe each of the steps one after another. Since the detailed description of LEFTS is not given in the present article, let us omit step 1 and immediately pass over to formulation of contradictions.
For example, contradiction of the line can take the following form: the Assortment should be broad, in order to satisfy and to predict the wishes of the customer, and should be narrow, in order not to avoid using large resources of the manufacturer and distributor. Further on, let us formulate IFR. For example, IFR 1 : Large assortment of products ITSELF creates an opportunity to avoid using large resources of manufacturer and distributor.
IFR 2: Narrow assortment of products ITSELF predicts all wishes of the customer and provides for fulfilling them.
Based on the above, we may formulate tentative more detailed variant of a sequence of steps of the assortment evolution line:
S Single product, no assortment
S Product with a «shift» of characteristics and price. Assortment groups.
S Increase of a number of assortment groups and their price range.
S Saturation of assortment. Full coverage of the selected niche.
S Partnership of suppliers and manufacturers for the sake of regulating the assortment.
S Formation, structuring and dynamization of assortment policy depending upon the territory, place in the shop, season of the year and time of the day.
S Instead of part of the assortment - copies of the goods used for identification of the demand and analysis of competitors' assortment.
S Use of Internet technologies enabling the user to form a necessary assortment set independently.
Movement along the evolution lines on an example of blog
Blogging is a widely known occupation, which gradually grew into a multimillion business. Blog = Web (Internet) + log (journal of events). It is a web-site, the main content of which are entries regularly added by the user and containing text, pictures or multimedia (Fig. 3.)
patience?) I'm publishing this, and I guess you're readin' this, in part
This is a Hypertext server using NlacHl IF vl - 3 running on a Powerbook ISO \v S RAM and a 120 HD It is currently being broadcast from the depths of Willets. a dorm nestled m the shrubbery here at Swartlunore College in
Fig.3
Disadvantage of this activity is the fact that any person can conduct his or her blog on any topic, which interests him or her (or his or her potential audience). The readers evaluate the degree of caused interest/usefulness of articles by pressing V and leave comments, which embraces a broader audience and in general helps the author of the blog to correct its content depending upon the reaction.
The most important method for monetization of the blog, which enables to assert that this is really a business-system, is the advertising, which is either logically incorporated into the entry, or is added separately. It can also be a built-in tool of the host, at which the blog exists, etc. (for example, Fig. 4). Depending upon the number of readers or retrievals the conditions and the price of advertising can vary; the success of the blogger (acting as an enterpriser) depends on that.
Bto99"S QnA
START A BLOG
IN 9 SIMPLE STEPS
JET
Fig. 4
Let us analyze the way, which the blog may pass on an example of Lines of evolution, quoted in the preceding section.
BUS.4.1. Lines of forming chains of creating values (CCV) in the organization Contradiction: Development, manufacturing, design, expenditures, advertising/brand, system and place of sales should be own (in order to control the situation) and should be «alien» (in order not to waste own resources). Possible way of attaining IFR:
S At first all functions (writing an article, attracting the readers, placing contracts for advertising, etc.) are fulfilled by the author of the blog.
S After that professional writer, experts, market specialists, specialists on advertising, lawyers, etc. are invited to cooperate.
S As a rule, the beginning blogger is paid % from the sales of the advertised goods or he or she is paid for each attracted ccustomer.
S After that advertising is paid for prior to its being placed in the blog (i.e., before the article is written).
BUS.4.2. Line of forming structure of organization
Contradiction: It is necessary to unite, in order to save resources for realization of this or that function and it is impossible to unite, in order to a) preserve individuality and own profit; b) not to waste resources on creation and support of the community.
Possible way of attaining IFR:
S For a less expensive and more effective involvement of a target audience the authors place their blogs on topical platforms (For example, Fig. 5).
https://mag.auto.ru
Fig. 5
BUS.4.3. Line of business objects
Contradiction: Characteristics of the product should be standard/invariable, so that copying might be less labor-intensive and the perception might be more reliable, and should be personalized/changeable in order to take into account the wishes of the customer. The object of business should be finished, easily accessible and should be unique and difficult to reach. Possible way to attain IFR:
S With the evolution of the blog the authors can start to advertise their own marketable goods. For example, plaids. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
BUS.4.4. Line of price and payment
Contradiction: The price should be high and should be low; stable and variable. The payment should be affected before selling (for manufacturer and seller) and after selling (for the customer).
Possible way to attain IFR:
S The price of advertisements may vary depending upon placement time, required focus audience or other parameters.
S Tariffs of volume and type of advertisements may be formed. S Bloggers may organize mutual exchange of advertisements.
S The promotion of other people's blogs (protection) is also popular among the bloggers. S The cost of advertising may also be different depending upon the platform, where the advertisement is placed. One and the same article may be placed on different platforms. For example, of analysis see Fig. 7.
Fig. 7
BUS.4.5. Line of assortment
Contradiction: The assortment should be broad in order to meet the wishes of the customer and should be narrow, in order not to involve great number of resources of the manufacturer and seller.
Possible way to attain IFR:
S The more profitable of the blog business, the bigger the group of experts is, who take part in writing articles and the broader the topical palette of the articles is.
S The tools for analysis of the audience are involved in order to classify the tropics according to the interests of the customers. BUS.4.6. Line of market development
Contradiction: The market should be stable and regulated, local and global, stable and changeable.
Possible way to attain IFR:
S Topical palettes of the blogs are practically nor restricted in any way. The development of the society interests contributes to creating new directions in blogging.
S Charismatic bloggers with a great embrace of the audience can themselves create popular trends.
BUS.4.7. Line of customer development
Contradiction: The number of customers should be low, so that it might be known what to sell and to whom, and this number should be high, so that the embrace should be always enlarged.
Possible way to attain IFR:
S In order to enter international markets, popular bloggers translate their article sinto different languages and place them in different platforms.
S Neural networks (and even the translators, which are incorporated into the browser) enable to automatically translate blogs into the languages, which are not native for the author.
CONCLUSION
As of today, the topic presented in this article, is insufficiently developed, because of restricted number of examples, which might form a collection of cards and prove complete applicability of approach, described by the authors in the present article. However, based on the quoted examples, the authors might draw a conclusion concerning a possibility to use General laws and lines of evolution of function-and-targeted systems in the sphere of business. The team of authors has the following plans for the future:
• Use of the method for forming forecasts at the enterprises of different sectors of economy;
• Generalization of experience concerning the application of this method and identification of «grey zones» of using this method;
• Correcting/augmentation of already analyzed lines of development for the purpose of taking into account specific features of particular trends in business.
The authors will be thankful for feedback and critical remarks concerning the described topic.
REFERENCE
1. G.S. Altshuller. On the laws of technical systems evolution. - Baku, 20.01.1977
2. M.S. Rubin, I.L. Misiuchenko, N.A. Schedrin. Laws of evolution: from technical system to function-and-targeted systems. - Moscow, January 30, 2022.
