Flexibility and its relation to complexity and architecture

Abstract

We discuss the system property of flexibility and its relation to complexity. This relationship is affected by the generic architectures used in a system. We discuss the generic hierarchies based on tree structures and layers. We also discuss networks as a generic architecture. Since layered systems are less well understood than the other two generic architectures, we give some examples of layered systems and the flexibility inherent in them. In particular, we discuss the organization of the US health care system and the organization of its higher education system. Lateral alignment in hierarchical systems, which is related to layering, is discussed in the context of the US military. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.