Applying systems thinking and aligning it to systems engineering

Abstract

Abstract1 . This is a paper on thinking about thinking. Systems engineering is an emerging discipline in the area of defining and solving problems in the manner of (Wymore, 1993). The emerging paradigm for problem solving is "systems thinking". Both systems engineering and systems thinking have recognized the need to view a system from more than one perspective. This paper proposes a set of perspectives for applying systems thinking in systems engineering and then defines a systems thinking perspective set of views for a system, the use of which will provide one way of aligning systems thinking to systems engineering. The paper then provides an example of applying the set of perspectives to the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Air Defence System and shows that not only does the set of perspectives provide a way to model the system; it also picked up two potentially fatal flaws in the system. The paper then concludes with some observations on the state of systems engineering from a number of the perspectives. The need for systems thinkingThe need for systems thinking is widely recognized at this time. Figuring out how to meet the need and actually apply systems thinking in a systemic and systematic manner constitutes a problem yet to be solved. Absolving the problem is traditionally known as "ostrich management". This approach ignores the problem or imagines that it will eventually disappear on its own.Resolving the problem is a traditional systems engineering approach to removing or suppressing the problem. This approach takes appropriate action based on experience, common sense and expertise.Optimizing the solution is another traditional systems engineering approach based on working out an outcome through experimentation or analysis.Dissolving the problem. This approach redesigns the system containing the problem or changes the perspective from which the problem is viewed to produce an innovative solution.

3.4.1 Yes systems engineering, you are a discipline

“…Personnel known as systems engineers (SETR) often perform a mixture of SETA and engineering. SETA in all three streams of work incorporates the mental activities of applying holistic thinking (the combination of systems thinking, analysis and critical thinking) to remedying problems (Kasser and Mackley, 2008;Kasser, 2009). This is the way postindependence Singapore was systems engineered, by personnel in public health, housing, Defence, transportation, etc.…”

“…The answer to the question is yes which resolves the issue of differentiating systems engineering from other disciplines, something which cannot be done in the current INCOSE paradigm. SETA is often used in the form of applying systems thinking and critical thinking (Kasser and Mackley, 2008;Kasser, 2009) in the ubiquitous generic problem-solving-solution-realization process.…”

“…His current research is into system thinking, system requirements, social psychology & anthropology, Egyptology, command & control, system design and world-class systems engineering. He has published three systems engineering books: "Putting Systems toWork", John Wiley & Sons, in 1992; "Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering and Management," Artech House, 2003; and, "Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology," John Wiley & Sons in 2007/2008. He inaugurated the IEE's PG M5 -Systems Engineering.…”

1.2.2 A Maturity Model for the Competency of Systems Engineers

“…Figuring out how to apply (and measure) systems thinking in a widely recognised and accepted systemic and systematic manner constitutes a problem yet to be solved (Kasser and Mackley, 2008). The literature abounds with:…”

9.2.1 The One‐eyed Systems Engineer – Pirate or Prophet?: An analysis of the effectiveness of different systems engineering leadership styles

“…They chose to focus on technical competencies and did not explicitly address the issue of Systems Engineering leadership. • (Kasser and Mackley 2008) and (Kemp and Mollett 2011) described the different non-technical competencies required for effective Systems Engineering. They discussed the competencies needed at different levels of Systems Engineering and discuss the importance of critical and systems thinking in effective Systems Engineering.…”