What does 'input' refer to in a systems model?

In a systems model, 'input' refers to the resources, information, and activities that are necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the system. This encompasses not just tangible resources but also information and directives that drive the processes within the system. Inputs are essential as they initiate the operations that will lead to outputs, which are the finished products or results of the processes.

While feedback and finished products are important components of a system, they do not classify as inputs. Feedback is typically used to improve or assess the performance of a system after the outputs have been produced, while finished products are the outcomes of the transformation process that starts with inputs. Thus, recognizing inputs as integral elements that fuel the system is crucial for understanding how systems operate and achieve their intended results.