(2)
Complex Behaviour. Frequently some form or emergent behaviour
which is behaviour where the behaviour as a whole is not simple compilation
of the behaviour of the parts.
(3)
Uncertain Boundaries. A complex system is subject to change so that its
boundaries as defined by its behaviour are uncertain, even more so because
the behaviour is emergent).
(4)
Openness. A complex system interacts with the external environment.
(5)
Unpatterned Connections. The relationships between the system and its
external environment are not patterned or systematic – they happen where they
happen.
(6)
Memory. Complex systems have memory. They record their past
in
a
way that enables them to recall it later.
(7)
Information Processing. They draw on the
record of their past and
process it in order to respond to present events.
(8)
Feedback and Learning. As stated above, a complex system draws on
the
record of its
past and process it in order to
respond to present events.
They then behave in response to this stored information. By this means they
create a loop that delivers a constant feedback process.
This constant
feedback enables the system to learn and change.
Memory
Complex systems are open so that they are subject to input. They usually have
some form of memory so that they carry forward with them at least some
aspects of their past. This can be fed into their information processing system
to be incorporated into
their behavioural response that enters the feedback
loop.
Nesting
Complex systems may be nested. That is, components of complex systems
may themselves be complex. This means that the relationships in the complex
system become more complicated, and that these components are likely to
possess many or at least some of the properties of a complex system. These
component complex systems may interact with some other components, and
maybe with all of them. This produces an overall effect in the form of
emergent behaviour of the complex system. As it reacts with its environment
by displaying this emergent behaviour, the feedback loop operates to
communicate the results to the complex system and its component complex
systems. It is in spirit, even if not in numerical calibration, a process of
exponential response.
Complex Behaviour
Behaviour of complex systems is itself, not surprisingly, also complex. Labels
used to describe the various forms of behaviour can overlap. This behaviour
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