The combination of Input, Process, and Output (IPO) forms a fundamental framework in systems theory. It is widely used to describe the structure of any system, whether it’s a business system, a non-profit system, or a government system.

This framework helps in understanding how a system functions by breaking it down into three main components:

1. Input — Inputs are the resources, data, or materials that are fed into a system to be processed.

2. Process — The process involves the transformation or manipulation of inputs to produce outputs.

3. Output — Outputs are the results or products that come out of the system after the processing of inputs.