Introductory description

ES2D7-15 Systems and Software Engineering Principles

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to concepts & systems thinking
System vee
Verification and Validation
Eliciting and recording user needs
Eliciting and writing requirements
Functional quality and failure
P diagrams, fishbone, is-isnot
QFD
Kano
State diagrams
Stateflow
Software and object oriented thinking
Objects and methods
Software testing techniques

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Explain overall concepts, process and need for a systems approach to engineering in various industries and applications
• Describe, using systems models and diagrams, systems from different perspectives and communicate behaviour
• Select and use tools to elicit needs and write requirements which cover functional and non-functional uses and behaviours including failure mode avoidance.
• Describe the difference between verification and validation, then specify and carry out suitable verification and validation methods
• Apply object-orientated techniques for solving programming problems

Indicative reading list

Blanchard, Benjamin S., and W. J. Fabrycky. Systems Engineering and Analysis. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited, 2014.. ISBN-13 978-1292025971
A. P. Sage, J. E. Armstrong. Introduction to Systems Engineering. Wiley Series in Systems Engineering. Wiley 2000 ISBN-13: 978-0471027669
A. Kossiakoff. “Systems Engineering Principles and Practice” Wiley Series in Systems Enigneering. Wiley 2002 ISBN-13: 978-0470405482
Wasson, C., "System Analysis, Design, and Development: Concepts, Principles, and Practices." Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management. Wiley 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0471393337

PYSTER, A., OLWELL, D. H. The Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) – continuously updated WIKI

Subject specific skills

Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process.
Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality.
Ability to seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative.

Transferable skills

Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions.
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities.
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others.

Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader

Awareness of the nature of engineering business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value

Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner

Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue

Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, customers, commerce and communication

Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.