Control systems can take any number of forms, depending on the business. They can be simple-the local bakery that is producing chocolate chip cookies does not need a computer to keep track of whether the cookies are coming up to standards. The bakers can see when cookies are burned, and they adjust the production process based on what they observe. But an MNC is a widespread and complex enterprise; it must have control systems for hundreds of processes of all kinds. The modern MNC could not survive without the help of a computerized control system; what follows is a description of the parts of such a system.
The main function of a control system is to keep some behavioral variables of the focal, or operating, system within predetermined limits. Control systems consist of four basic elements, which are themselves subsystems: 1
Figure 16.1 depicts these four basic subsystems of a control system, showing their functional interrelationships and their relationship with the operating system.
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