Therefore, the central or core activity is to define that system in all of its complexity. Sketching out the system may fill charts covering a good sized wall. On the other hand, you may be able to get by with something on your desktop as small as an 11 x 17 sheet of paper.

In defining the system, be sure your definition isn't limited to just the mechanical or physical aspects. The system has to include history and reputation, and if it is a business or an agency it must include vendors, suppliers, and products that flow into or through the system. Don't ignore what that system produces or generates by way of social values, goods, products, or wastes. Be sure to note all stakeholders, that is, people and organizations that affect or are affected by the system.

Having defined all of that, you are in a position to think about the trends and factors influencing the various elements of the system, and proceed from there to the rest of the futures enterprise.

Ask the Futurist is a Q & A feature to help clarify either substantive or methodological questions that people have about the systematic study of the future.If you have any questions that can be responded to in 500 words or less, write to Joe at askfuturist@josephcoates.com and we will try to respond within a week -- two at most! Please let us know if we may use your name as the questioner.

The question may be methodological -- dealing with techniques, strategies, or approaches -- or substantive, such as factors affecting so-and-so, or the outcomes that may result from this-and-that, or what is known about factors affecting "X." There also is a miscellaneous category for questions that are not either methodological or substantive.

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