Social systems engineering in the ´70´s

In recent years there has been an increasing interest shown by engineers and scientists in problems of ecology and sociology. Many of these problems when viewed as a set of interacting variables take on the characteristics of a large scale system of the man-machine-environment type, and are in many ways similar to those found in the aerospace and process control industries. Because of his special skills in system modeling and optimization, the control systems engineer can make a significant contribution in this area. This paper is directed toward getting control system engineers to exhibit a greater interest in this expanding area. After establishing a reference framework, the paper categorizes problems and gives selective bibliography to assist newcomers in this area. The bibliography is in no way considered exhaustive nor complete, but should serve as an introduction to the problems existing in this area.