Complexity index

C is defined in terms of: V = The number of independent Variables needed to describe the state of the system. P = The number of independent Parameters needed to distinguish the system from other systems in the same class. L = The number of control feedback Loops both within the system and connecting the system to the surroundings. The upper and lower values of C are defined as V + P + L < C < V . P . L, noting that when L = 0, or V and P both have low values; C is taken to be V + P + L. For a particular system, the location of the value of C between these upper and lower bounds will depend on the degree of ‘connectedness’ within the structure of the system and between the system and its surroundings (Kline, 1995: 49-51).