Poole defines coupling as the degree of connection between component parts, where "parts or modules" can be loosely or tightly connected in terms of their interdependence on each other. In a tight system, the component parts are closely related. In a loose system, the components themselves are tightly coupled, but components within the larger system are only loosely related. This relates to his discussion of levels within systems, where aspects of the system have hierarchy and subsystems (or systems within systems) can operate.

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