During the past decade there have been several breakthroughs in the fields of scientific technology and military weapon systems. Concurrently with these advancements, a wealth of information has been written about the subject of systems. It is not surprising, therefore, to discover that many people have become excited by the possibility of applying the systems concept to other fields. During this session, we shall present an over-view of the systems concept in a manner which, we hope, will gain your interest, and challenge you to think about the practicality of applying the systems concept to the study and the analysis of the business firm. General systems theory is concerned with developing a systematic, theoretical framework for describing general relationships of the empirical world. An ultimate but distant goal might be a framework (or system of systems of systems) which would tie all disciplines together in a meaningful manner. Of the several levels in the hierarchy of systems, the level which most closely relates to the operation of a business is that of the control or cybernetic system, where the transmission and interpretation of information is an essential part of its operation. A system has been defined as an organized or complex whole; i. e., an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole. It may be defined more specifically as an array of components designed to accomplish a particular objective according to plan. There are three significant points in this definition. First, there must be a purpose, or objective, which the system is designed to perform. Second, there must be design, or an established arrangement of components. Finally, inputs of information, energy, and materials must be allocated according to plan.