Complex systems have many components – hardware, software, people, machinery, buildings, all of which interact – and many stakeholders with requirements to be met. The essence of systems engineering is that it combines technical, interpersonal and managerial knowledge and skills. The
Complex systems have many components – hardware, software, people, machinery, buildings, all of which interact – and many stakeholders with requirements to be met. The essence of systems engineering is that it combines technical, interpersonal and managerial knowledge and skills. The student will create an understanding for the principles, tools and techniques of a multi-functional approach to increasingly complex systems planning. The course will explore the processes of design, development, implementation and management of multi-functional team-based projects. Case studies will provide a practical context.
Course focus is to give the participant knowledge to understand theories and methodologies regarding Systems Engineering (SE), and to be able to apply SE to practical examples. Through, lectures, workshops, assigned readings and assignments students will gain an understanding of the course content. Students will complete assignments on an individual or small group basis, and will share his/her learning with others through his/her written documents, group work and presentations.
By the end of this course, the learner should:
- Understand what systems engineering is and what characteristics set it apart from more ‘traditional’ approaches
- Understand how systems engineering relates to product/service development and sustainability
- Assess why and when a systems engineering approach is desirable
- Be able to undertake a SE programme definition study, and SE plan for a realistic project.
- Be able to develop a SE concept design as the basis for further detailed design
- Be able to apply and use systems concepts to analyze a system and use as the basis for the design and development of complex systems
- Apply systems engineering tools (e.g., requirements development and management, robust design, Design Structure Matrix) to realistic problems.
- Recognize the value and limitations of modeling and simulation.
- Formulate an effective plan for gathering and using data.
- Know how to proactively design for and manage system lifecycle targets.