Abstract. The last 20 years have shown a dramatic expansion in Systems Engineering theory, knowledge, knowhow and practical application. Despite this increase, there is evidence within organisations that there has been a growing gap between the SE required and the SE delivered. The authors of this paper describe the results of a study into the reasons for this gap, based on an on-line survey which received 85 valid responses.The authors conclude that:• Project professionals are using approaches that are not appropriate to the problems being tackled; • Behaviour is being driven by narrow views of what organisations believe is right, rather than the broader range of practice that they allow; • Project professionals adopt preferred approaches which they apply across more than one type of problem.The authors demonstrate that there is truth in the assertion that Systems Engineers apply the same approach, irrespective of the situation. Whilst standard Systems Engineering approaches, for example the V lifecycle, are the right approach in the complicated space, it is less appropriate in simple, complex or chaotic spaces. All too often, projects start with the assumption that we should use standard Systems Engineering approaches that we have used before, rather than ask: 'To V or not to V?'

There are many books on how to dry lumber for quality and profit and they are very helpful in understanding that the simple things that we do at the kiln are the most valuable. For example, lets start at the stick plant. By using well manufactured tickers that are the same thickness and length, we can produce nice straight lumber inside the kiln. The stickers should also line up with each other all the way down to the cart support bars so this will give plenty of support for the loads above. When choosing a sticker size, one must balance maximum air flow (thicker stickers) and maximum kiln capacity (thinner stickers). Also, by using 2-in spacers instead of 4-in spacers, you can put more lumber inside your kilns and have a smaller area for which air can travel through helping the rest of the load get more air, heat and humidity that it needs to dry the lumber. Now on to the kiln. The integrity of the kilns are very important, good baffling is a must to help air, heat and humidity be forced through the stickers.