Thread: Системная задача/проблема

The phrases "системная задача" и "системная проблема" are often used by Russian economists, business people, etc. to describe a task or problem that is multifaceted, involving and/or affecting many different factors, and should be solved as a whole, while paying attention to each of the involved factors. Or, in other words, all factors and elements involved should be regarded as a system. The definition of "system" here is pretty much the same as in "system analysis."

What would be the closest English equivalent? Holistic seems to be fairly close, but for me, the word has a very strong New-Agey connotation. Not to mention that "holistic task" is not very clear. System task definitely won't work, since in English it means a system-level task runing on your computer.
Maybe "tasks/problems that require systems thinking to solve"?

Would 'Complex task' work? My rule of thumb - keep it simple.
Or what would you say about 'System level task.", "Global problem" maybe. People usually substitute 'системная задача' instead of 'трудная задача' just to look smart. )))

Originally Posted by Ramil

Would 'Complex task' work? My rule of thumb - keep it simple.
Or what would you say about 'System level task.", "Global problem" maybe. People usually substitute 'системная задача' instead of 'трудная задача' just to look smart. )))

Complex task - это всё-таки немножко другой смысл. System level task - комьютерный термин.

Это он у нас в мозгах - компьютерный. На самом деле, сантехник, например, вложит в слово "системный" совсем другой смысл.

If you're talking about the economy or business the term "systemic" is fine, though usually employed when there are problems. Today there's alot of talk about "systemic failure of the worlds financial markets" or the "systemic risk of investing in the stock market." You may also hear "systemic collapse" or the "problem is systemic."

Systemic... this is a new one for me. Thanks for the suggestion!
But can you say, for example, "We need to be able to set and solve systemic problems"?

Originally Posted by translationsnmru

Systemic... this is a new one for me. Thanks for the suggestion!
But can you say, for example, "We need to be able to set and solve systemic problems"?

Well, the term systemic is fine here but the term "set problems" or "setting problems" is not one you're going to find. I'm not sure what you mean - perhaps "lay out the problem," that is, explain what the problem is?

Well, how about "We need to be able to formulate and solve systemic problems"? In other words, you say to yourself, "This is the problem that I have to solve". And it doesn't mean a problem that has suddenly presented itself and you have to solve it willy-nilly. It is more like you assess the situation, and say to yourself: "I want to achieve such and such results. And in order to achieve them, I need to do this, that, and that, while taking in account so many factors."
"Problem" here is not necessarily a bad thing that you want to get rid of, it is something to be solved, like a problem in math.

Originally Posted by translationsnmru

Well, how about "We need to be able to formulate and solve systemic problems"? In other words, you say to yourself, "This is the problem that I have to solve". And it doesn't mean a problem that has suddenly presented itself and you have to solve it willy-nilly. It is more like you assess the situation, and say to yourself: "I want to achieve such and such results. And in order to achieve them, I need to do this, that, and that, while taking in account so many factors."
"Problem" here is not necessarily a bad thing that you want to get rid of, it is something to be solved, like a problem in math.

yes, everything you say here is perfectly fine.

Cool, thanks

also possible system-wide problems/issues.