Systems Engineering overview Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. Successful systems must satisfy the needs of its customers, users and other stakeholders. The principles and concepts that characterize a system, where a system is an interacting combination of system elements to accomplish a defined objective(s). The system interacts with its environment that may include other systems, users, and the natural environment. 1 Systems engineering overview, cont. • A systems engineer is a person or role who supports this interdisciplinary approach. In particular, the systems engineer often serves to elicit and translate customer needs into specifications that can be realized by the system development team. • A system engineer helps ensure the elements of the system fit together to accomplish the objectives of the whole, and ultimately satisfy the needs of the customers and other stakeholders who will acquire and use the system. 2 Key elements of Systems Engineering 3 System boundaries 4 Economic value of Systems engineering Relation of SE Investments to NASA Program Cost Overruns (Stutzke 2005). Released by NASA HDQRT./Gruhl. 5 Challenges in System design and development • There is no unique and singular product which satisfies a given need. • It is seldom possible to meet all requirements for a system simultaneously. • Every system concept must pass through several phases of design, analysis and evaluation before it becomes a useful product. • While the iterative and lengthy development process goes on, the environment does not stand still. 6 Challenges in System design and development, cont. • For any sizable new project there will be fierce internal competition for the key technical personnel who must lead the effort. • In the course of any significant new development one must expect the unexpected and be prepared. • Don’t assume people will automatically understand what System Engineering means. • Don’t expect everyone to accept system engineering as the salvation for their programs. 7 Systems engineering the people challenge • Great majority of engineers are specialist by education, job incentives, and personal preference. • System-level design and analysis requires knowledge of several specialties. • No established source of system-level engineersabsence of opportunities for visibility • A few individuals enjoy system engineering: • Attracted by challenge • Attracted by variety • But always in short supply 8 Effective application of systems engineering method • Means working across organizational boundaries • Organizational Flexibility • Task Oriented Ad Hoc Arrangements • Selective (but limited) use of Organizational hierarchy as channel for technical direction and follow-up • Recognized System Goals and Constraints 9 Systems engineer’s challenge • Secure best possible engineering talent, especially system-level lead engineer • Must know how to identify the people • Must understand the system approach • Learn to think like a System Engineer • Be prepared to be the system engineer 10 Responsibilities of systems engineer • A system engineer cannot be an expert on all component disciplines, yet must make final choices among alternatives. • All decisions on re-allocation of resources, cost, schedules, performance, must be made from overall program viewpoint. • Such decisions are many, usually involve ambiguity, seldom quantifiable. • To survive, a system engineer must be equipped with best support available and best tools. 11 Characteristics of a systems engineer • • • • • • • • • Enjoys learning new things Questions almost everything (constructively) Likes a challenge Has a diverse background in several engineering areas Likes variety Skilled in technical trade-off Has good communications skills (both oral and written) Picks up new ideas and information quickly Has business and social acumen 12 Elements of a system • A system is a set of interrelated components working together towards some common objective. The set of components has the following properties: • The properties and behavior of each component of the set has an effect on the properties and behavior of the set as a whole. • The properties and behavior of each component of the set depends upon the properties and behavior of at least one other component in the set. • Each possible subset of components has the two properties listed above; the components cannot be divided into independent subsets. 13 Elements of a system, cont. • COMPNENTS are the operating parts of a system consisting of input, process, and output. Each system component may assume a variety of values to describe a system state as set by control action and one or more restrictions. • ATTRIBUTES are the properties or dissemble manifestations of the components of a system. These attributes characterize the system. • RELATIONSHIPS are the links between components and attributes. 14 Examples of Systems: • Engineered Systems • An Automobile • A subway system • Air Traffic Control System • Naturally occurring systems • A rainforest • The oceans • Rivers and Streams • Non-engineered human systems • Legal System • Monetary System 15
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