Red Alert: “Even though Diamond Cash Club site is still up, it is feared that they are already gone with the wind, information reaching me is mixed and uncertain, but I advice all who still sign up to this program to do so with care, as all who cycled for payment in the last month are yet to be paid, and except by a stroke of miracle, are unlikely to be paid. Please remember I warned about the likelihood of events like this towards the close of the year. Guess the bells are ringing earlier than anticipated. It might end up being malicious information, but there is no harm in being aware… beware!”
If you knew me 10yrs ago in OAU ife, you probably knew me as someone who takes tutorial classes on Chemical Engineering Themodynamic Systems -CHE 201. I started lecturing the course on the year that I myself took the course. My average tutorial class size was 300 students – my classmates from different faculties. It was apparent from those times, that many people do not understand the concept of systems. I’m not sure if the real gift I had was understanding the course or being able to help others understand it, not only did I score 96% in the course, a large population of my tutorial classmates either scored A’s or their most alarming A on that course.
Before I bore you with the details of the Chemical Engineering course, let me quickly draw your attention to what I really want to write about today – Systems. Many people don’t understand systems, maybe because they have never been schooled in this line, maybe because it’s a bit abstract, or maybe people are just refusing to apply themselves. Or could it be that most people just don’t have natural talents for systems design or interpretation? Can it be linked to the same old problem of why we cannot all see a three dimensional drawing on a two dimensional surface? Whatever it is, I’ve seen people move from zero to hero, so pay attention, and you might just learn a thing or two.
Systems
A system, in lay terms, is a combination of processes, tools and resources that are put together to create a predefined output out of predetermined and varied inputs. Every system has varied input, a combination of processes, tools and resources and output. There are closed systems and open systems.
In order to understand this definition properly, let’s take a look at one of the systems we all have-A digestive system. There are different kinds of food that can serve as input into the digestive system; systems are least selective at the input interface. The food one it gets into the system, now goes through a series of processes – mastication, peristalsis, e.t.c. A lot of enzymes are involved at the different stages, and what is valuable in the food is converted to a determined output and forms input for another system, while what is not useful is also churned out as output.
In order to understand any topic, I’m of the opinion that the first thing we need to do is rid that topic of its complexities. Don’t get unnecessarily technical; try to understand things from first principles. Ask yourself, this concept was developed by another human being, what was he/she thinking about? If you can think like this, you are well on your way to building a brand new system. I’ll use an example of the project we are currently working on – NNC as the basis for illustration.
Input
One of the greatest worries by people who do not understand the workings of a system is trying to be over selective in defining the input. The point of input is not the place to be most selective. Your input parameters must be flexible enough to accept all the possible variables. In an example of a farming system that Jesus described, a man went to plant wheat, but while he slept the enemy came and sowed weed. The servants were bothered that the system had just started and already there were weed. The master gave them a lesson in one of the fundamental topics in systems. Let them grow together. There is a stage for separation, that stage is least at the interface with input. When you cast your net into the seas is not when you separate croakers from tilapia, there is time for that. The authenticity of your system is in its ability to extract out the desired output. When defining input parameters, be flexible, your system will be tested by different types of input. This is why in the input interface to the digestive system is the teeth, it can take almost anything on, and whatever it can’t take on, shouldn’t go into that system.
In NNC
We are not discriminatory on who and who should join. We see it as a platform to create change. There is no wrong crowd, no wrong motivation, and no wrong person. Everybody is welcome on the merit of who they are. Anybody that joins for whatever reason, joins by accepting to be bound by the ideals of the club.
The System
The system is usually a combination of smaller systems and processes. The purpose of the system is to ensure that the output that is delivered is the one that was desired. Systems are set up having the output in mind. A system fails when it lacks the ability to achieve what it set out to achieve. Every good system has a series of control centres where things can be tweaked when things are going wrong, to ensure that the desired objective is achieved. In Engineering the process of building a system requires a lot of mathematical modelling. There are times you take out a particular process, feed it with different ranges of input and test to see that it brings out the output that you desired. The output of one mini system or process is the input for another. This calls for a lot of checking and rechecking because one little error in an earlier system will require a lot creativity and ingenuity to rectify before the final output. In Non engineering disciplines, creating a robust system requires a lot of thinking, a lot of scenario building, a lot of direction on motion. While the end does not justify the means on a value equation, it does on a systems equation. The system only needs to stay true to values.
There are some elements that are common in most systems. In no particular order, some of them are below.
1. Storage – every good system has some mechanism for storage. Somewhere things are kept to be acted upon. Not all of the input is ready for process, so there is usually a waiting area.
2. Separation – every good system has a separation process. 20 boys will not be in the same class for 20yrs.
3. Self correction – every good system has a feedback loop or mechanism that helps set the system back on track. This usually feeds back the variance between the desired output and the current output back into the system in such a way that the desired output will be achieved. (I really hope you understand that without any engineering background)
4. Simulation – every good system requires the development of a simulation tool. How will you be sure of your output, except you are able to test things out? In the sciences this is easy, but we social people have to be creative in developing our own simulations. “Help me read this article and tell me what you think” this is some type of simulation.
5. Control – (I really wish I could make them 5 S’s) every good system can be controlled. If you develop a system you have no power to control, you might be in trouble before you know it. You need to put controls in place. Think about all the possibilities and the worst that can happen, and take care of them in your design. Put controls in place however to ensure that the output is a no miss.
In NNC
It’s a robust system. We actually are using one stone to kill 5 birds and still keeping the stone alive. It’s a system of breakthrough thinking elements, and if you look through all the key system elements above they are there. One of the first disagreements we had was about to simulate or not, and thankfully all of us have learnt and are still learning how important that is. We have also given a lot of power to the managers; this is because in order to achieve desired outputs, someone needs to be accountable for the controls.
Output
This is what it is all about? Every element in the system serves to achieve this. Outputs are usually the products of visionary desires. “I have a dream…” What came after that was the output that the life and systems around the life of Martin Luther King Jr. sought to achieve. “Freedom” – The dying words of William Wallace in the struggle for the independence of Scotland. That was their desired output. The end of apartheid was the system surrounding the life of Mandela. The desire for noble outputs is what imprints the name of a mortal on the sands of time. It’s not a male child that will make your name last, it’s the brain child of a noble output.
In NNC
Our desired output is a New Nigeria. A value driven Nigeria. A Nigeria that the world looks at with respect, a Nigeria where the nationals believe in their Nation and see it as a land of limitless opportunities. A Nigeria that is the most desired place to dwell in on earth. A New Nigeria where the nationals look out for each other and scout for opportunities to add value. A Nigeria where we are poised to live the Nigerian Dream.
17 thoughts on “Systems 101”
Chairman,
You are too full of ideas! This is the best system disambiguation I seen. Understanding systems and they work is ofcourse very important in every endeavour one goes into. Keep the flag up sir!
Intelligent!!!! Good Thinking, quite analytical.
This is a very invigorating piece of writing.please keep up the spirit and very soon the Nigeria of our dream will emerge.
Meanwhile,i look forward to seeing you at the NNC pre-launch seminar at Elomaz hotel on sunday.Cheers!.
Kolawole (a.k.a kollarge).
Wao!! what a masterpiece!
Thank you once again for the insights therein.
I dont mean to flatter you but you are simply too loaded and equipped for your generation.
No one can succeed or survive in life without a system.
one important fact about a system as you pointed out above which we must never lose sight of is that of control becuase “If you develop a system you have no power to control, you might be in trouble before you know it”.
This is a food for thought.
More power to your elbow.
Here you come again Sir, you never can say, the percentage of people your wealth of ideas and write ups touches and having impact on everyday, just keep it up.
When there are no controlling factors for a system, wherever placed, there are bound to be crises, distrust, disappointment, grudge, indiscipline, mistrust, failure e.t.c
A system where there are no checks and balances, which fail to heed the warning and concern of the masses, not matter the objectives and the output, failure is certain.
We should all embrace an open system that gives room for interaction and also put into consideration their environment rather than a closed system which isolate from the immediate environment.
Somebody spoke to me yesterday on phone and promised never to get himself involved or even participate in NNC rather he prefer all the foreign based Australian programme. I replied with this question “What will you do, if you suddenly wake up and discovered their site is nowhere to be found”. His voice went down at the spot of that question.
Well that is a food for thought.
I am not against any programme neither am I being biased, afterall, a lot of people have been rich through most of these programmes, its just that they can stand the test of time, they can be there forever, why not embrace our own where we all belongs and make Nigeria a better place to live. Afterall NNC has a robust system that can benefit everybody both young and old in term of core values, concepts and principles.
The world is divided into people who do things and people who talk about doing things. Belong to the first group and your life will never be the same again.
Position yourself right, there are lot of opportunities untapped in this country, believe in yourself, believe in the opportunities of our environment, let us re-brand this Country for good once and for all.
A piece of advice once again: Opportunity can be missed if you are broadcasting when you should be tuning in. Opportunities can drop in your lap if you have your lap where opportunities drop.
Cheers to you all.
Hi Deolu,
Thanks so much for this piece of fundamental concept and analysis, it’s of great value to me. I’ve always respect and admire your intelligence and ability to teach and communicate it right from OAU days, you are a gem to our generation, more grace to your intellect.
The concept of NNC has always been exciting me, i’m really impressed, Nigeria is blessed. I’m sure those foreign program managers must have heard that we have an indigenous program already which is far more of value to our lives, perhaps it surprises them that can such intelligence come from Nigeria so soon ( just my thought), this means we are promoting a better image of Nigeria already.
@all
Let us all set our eyes like a flint, we are bound to get our desired output of New Nigeria, NNC is a powerful system designed to drive us forward. We will reach our goal by God’s grace. UP NNC!! UP NNC!! UP NNC!!, GOD PROSPER NIGERIA.
Mr Deolu
Thanks for this piece of information it really opened my eyes to the concept of systems.
I believe in your dream for Nigeria we will all make it happen.
Cheers!!!
Wow!!! Good thinking, good writing!
This is no doubt a great output from a great system.
One thing am very sure of is the fact that New Nigeria has come to stay and it will survive by the grace of God. This is our own thing and it must work as we can see it’s working already.
See you at the TOP!!!
Josh
http://www.joshadeyemi.blogspot.com
You are a chemical engineer of the highest order,you just refreshed my memory of chemical engineering thermodynamics and Prof olufemi Taiwo of O.A.U.Deolu more grease to your elbow.
Precisely said. NNC like any other new system is encountering it rush hour and with time, the process will automatically sheave the real members from the crowd.
My oga, keep up the good work, please note that it would not be easy now but would become much easier as you progress. Your vision is good and inspiring, a ray of hope to an average Nigerian.
Been receiving positive reports on the Elomaz seminar. Couldn’t make it had to return to base (Aba) today but invited some people who turned up including my fiancee.
Nice work, really nice for this great country of ours.
http://www.imoisilis.com
Good structure.Hope the club will deliver on this type of organised thought?
was at the inaugural meeting yesterday but could not wait till the end.was actually hoping that all registered members would have minutes sent to their emails.is that still possible?
Mr.Lecturer,what a well prepared lecture!!! Reminded me of MIS at the university & professional level.
God will continue to spare your life for good things He he has position you to do for this generation.
Thanks for the presentation yesterday.
Dear Prof Dee,
You have made my day.The day I dont learn something new is wasted.
With due respect and for for us to have 5es can we call “Control” “Safeguarding”.
5 e for Leadership and 5 s for systems.
This is roger rajo!
yeah right!systems!this is some organized presentation which i will call thinking outside the box……good thinking!
Analytical
precise
Another reason to put on my thinking cap.
wanna be a part of it, it’s easy
http://www.newnigeriaclub.net/enyola
use “enyola” as your sponsor Id ad you are good
hmm, great article. this is teaching at its best.iwhenever i hear the word systems, i used to wonder what it entails but now i know. thank you sir.