Systems Engineering is a “transdisciplinary and integrative approach” that uses “systems principles and concepts”, to enable the definition and realisation of complex capabilities (INCOSE). This introductory tutorial will focus on some of these “systems principles and concepts” that underpin the efficient and effective engineering of systems. It is broadly structured to be delivered in six parts, sandwiched between a motivational introduction and a concluding session summary.
Part 1 focuses on the "Why, What and How" of systems thinking. Part 2 introduces key M&S concepts of abstraction and fidelity and the associated systems concepts of interoperability and emergence. Part 3 then applies these concepts to outline a mental-models framework and introduces two key concepts - efficiency and effectiveness - that underpin the engineering of systems and the foundational role of systems engineers in the creation of complex, safe, secure and sustainable capabilities. Part 4 builds on the concepts from previous parts to introduce "systems models" and a first-principles perspective to systems engineering life-cycles, while part 5 focuses in on contextualising and defining verification and validation as a core activity spanning the systems engineering life-cycle. Part 6 is an introduction to complexity - building on the concepts from previous parts and introduces the Cynefin framework as one means of understanding and dealing with complexity.
Breakout sessions, discussion sessions and breaks are embedded through the tutorial, to allow for interaction, discussion, engagement and networking. The last breakout session focuses inward to review and draft an “elevator pitch” to communicate the central and critical role systems engineers play in the transformation of complex concepts into tangible critical capabilities in an ever evolving and interconnected technological context for a safer, secure and sustainable future.