The Systems Engineering Process
Systems engineering (SE) is a process engineers use to develop complex products and systems such as aircraft and spacecraft. Bell Laboratories first used the term SE in the 1940s. Since then, SE has continuously improved and been used successfully in engineering, technology, industry, and business. It is a core process for engineering, just as the scientific method is a core process for advancing science.
SE is an inherently nonpartisan process because it (1) considers the needs of all stakeholders and uses facts and data to optimize a product or system and (2) balances opposing interests, conflicting objectives, and many constraints.
I used systems engineering (SE) for nearly 40 years while working in the aerospace and energy industries. A common misconception is that SE is only valid on programs with little or no political pressure. My experience suggests that SE is also helpful in highly political programs like the International Space Station because it uses facts and data to help make decisions. This decreases the role of (sometimes irrational) political ideology in decision-making.
Until now, SE has been used primarily to develop physical products and systems. However, I have developed three methodologies for using SE to create practical, nonpartisan solutions for complex social, economic, environmental, and political problems. These methodologies are as follows:
1. Six-step process. This is the basic SE process, which starts with reguirements definition and ends with completion of a public policy to achieve the desired objectives.
2. Optimization strategies. This is a list of 10 engineering principles that systems engineers use to develop and optimize designs, which are equally useful in developing and optimizing public policies.
3. System of system matrix. This is a matrix that enables policymakers to develop multiple public policies to address a complex set of interrelated issues.
Systems engineering (SE) is a process engineers use to develop complex products and systems such as aircraft and spacecraft. Bell Laboratories first used the term SE in the 1940s. Since then, SE has continuously improved and been used successfully in engineering, technology, industry, and business. It is a core process for engineering, just as the scientific method is a core process for advancing science.
SE is an inherently nonpartisan process because it (1) considers the needs of all stakeholders and uses facts and data to optimize a product or system and (2) balances opposing interests, conflicting objectives, and many constraints.
I used systems engineering (SE) for nearly 40 years while working in the aerospace and energy industries. A common misconception is that SE is only valid on programs with little or no political pressure. My experience suggests that SE is also helpful in highly political programs like the International Space Station because it uses facts and data to help make decisions. This decreases the role of (sometimes irrational) political ideology in decision-making.
Until now, SE has been used primarily to develop physical products and systems. However, I have developed three methodologies for using SE to create practical, nonpartisan solutions for complex social, economic, environmental, and political problems. These methodologies are as follows:
1. Six-step process. This is the basic SE process, which starts with reguirements definition and ends with completion of a public policy to achieve the desired objectives.
2. Optimization strategies. This is a list of 10 engineering principles that systems engineers use to develop and optimize designs, which are equally useful in developing and optimizing public policies.
3. System of system matrix. This is a matrix that enables policymakers to develop multiple public policies to address a complex set of interrelated issues.