Systems Thinking Vocabulary

2. An entity composed of diverse but interrelated parts that function as a complex whole.
4. A temporary disturbance of a system.
7. Matter and/or energy are contained within a system.
8. Matter and/or energy is lost from a system.
12. A self-perpetuating mechanism of change and response to that change.
13. If the flux of matter or energy out of a reservoir is greater than the flux in, the reservoir is a source.
15. Amplifies the effect of disturbances.
17. The length of time a substance remains in a given reservoir.
18. Diminishes the effect of disturbances.
22. The length of time for a system to return to steady state after being perturbed.
23. The rate of matter or energy movement (amount per unit time).
24. No change in any component or source/sink in a system as a function of time..

1. A persistent disturbance of a system.
3. The level or value at which a rapid change in the system state occurs.
5. A graphical representation of a system, showing system components and couplings.
6. A place where matter or energy resides.
9. If the flux of matter or energy into a reservoir is greater than the flux out, the reservoir is a sink.
10. A graphical and quantitative representation of a system.
11. A set of attributes that characterize the system at a particular time.
14. Links between system components.
16. Constant movement of material from one reservoir to another.
19. Describes whether a system is stable or unstable.
20. Individual parts of a system.
21. Change in a system as a result of perturbation or forcing.