Title: Introducing BLOC-ICE for exploring system concept

Authors: Shaligram Pokharel

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar

Abstract: In this paper, a generic framework called BLOC-ICE is proposed as an exploring system in order to develop a system diagram. The framework uses seven elements to assist in the visualisation, progressive exploration, and elaboration in order to develop the system diagram that meets the system's stated goals. Once the system diagram is developed, each part of the system can be designed through qualitative and quantitative methods, and simulation. The application of the framework is demonstrated through simple examples. The proposed framework can be used to explore system design and development in technical, social, and business fields. The paper also provides empirical results based on the data obtained through a survey of the graduates who learned this framework with the author. The analysis shows the importance of the framework in system exploration and design. The business implication of the framework is also discussed.

Keywords: systems; system diagram; system thinking; system concept; system exploration; system approach.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2023.131720

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2023 Vol.17 No.4, pp.442 - 461

Received: 08 Mar 2021
Accepted: 25 May 2021
Published online: 30 Jun 2023 *

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