Customers have choices between different grades of fuel, viscosities of oil and brand names on repair parts. Backlogs occur at different times of the day with few ramifications. Skills required are relatively few so employees can be readily replaced when problems occur. Turnover of personnel has little effect to include summertime when high school kids are hired temporarily. Customers are served on a first come basis, but exceptions can be made easily.
Few surprises occur because information sources are direct and firsthand.
A college is a loose-complex organization. If textbook orders are not filled before the semester begins, alternates may be selected or photocopies made of existing texts. When an instructor is ill, another may substitute or students sit in on another class. Indirect and inferential information sources complement the formal feedback loops that provided the impetus for change. There is less chance of accidents in loosely coupled organizations compared to tightly constructed ones.