Tightly Coupled Networks

In tightly coupled systems, there are no buffers between the parts of the system. “Quantities must be precise; resources cannot be substituted for one another.” (Osinga 2006, 113)

Here, there is ever only one way to achieve a given goal.

Tightly coupled systems react faster to disruptions, but possibly also more violently and in multiple directions, with overlapping effects.

Failures and errors occur faster here, manifesting in multiple dimensions. There is a higher risk that smaller accidents develop into system-wide catastrophes—accordingly, higher demands are placed on failure prevention and recovery measures.

See also

• Synchronous Failure e.g. Ramifying Cascade

Sources

• Perrow, C. (1999). Normal Accidents: Living With High-Risk Technologies
• Osinga, F. (2006). Science, Strategy and War: The Strategic Theory of John Boyd