Introductory description

This module provides an overview of systems thinking and systems engineering approaches required to help understand and design complex programmes.

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.

• Systems thinking and systems engineering concepts
• Linking vision, outcomes and goals deployment
• Prioritising goals, stakeholders and requirements
• Developing and evaluating high level Concept of Operations (Conops)
• Designing solutions to meet stakeholder requirements (QFD)
• System lifecycle and system development lifecycles - pros and cons
• Concept of Operations – high level design principles, visualisation and evaluation
• Systems Engineering modelling approaches
• Systems development exercise and assessment - 'Mars Habitation'

Learning outcomes

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

• Critically evaluate the role of systems thinking and soft systems methodology in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Explain the hierarchy of vision, outcomes, business and system programme goals and apply tools to support the prioritisation of goals and stakeholders
• Apply the principles of systems engineering to create more effective development, delivery, in-service support and retirement of product-service and enterprise systems
• Understand and evaluate systems engineering development processes and associated competencies, including needs & requirements capture, requirements management, validation, verification, integration and risk management.

Indicative reading list

Bhise, V.D., Designing Complex Products with System Engineering Processes and Techniques, CRC Press, 2014. ISBN: 9781466507036
Blanchard, B.S., System Engineering Management, 4th ed., Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 9780470167359
Hitchins, D.K., Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology, Wiley-Blackwell, 2007 ISBN: 9780470058565
INCOSE, ‘Systems Engineering Handbook – A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities’, INCOSE TP-2003-002-04, John Wiley and Son, ISBN 978-1-1 18-99940-0, 2015
ISO Standard, ‘ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015, Systems and software engineering -- System life cycle processes’, 2015.
Johnson, N., Simply Complexity: a clear guide to complexity theory, Oneworld Publications, 2009. ISBN: 9781851686308
Kossiakoff, A., Sweet, W.N.,Seymour, S.J., Biemer, S.M., Systems Engineering Principles and Practice, Wiley, 2011, ISBN: 9780470405482.
Koestler, A., The Ghost in the Machine, Hutchinson, London, 1967. [QZ.1.K6]. ISBN: 9781939438348.
Meadows, D., Thinking in Systems – A Primer, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008 ISBN: 9781603580557.
NASA, ‘Systems Engineering Handbook’, Washington, D.C.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NASA SP-2016-6105 Rev2, 2017, ISBN 197938147X.
Simon, H.A., The Architecture of Complexity, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 106, No. 6 (Dec. 12, 1962) pp467-482

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Systems Thinking, Systems Development Lifecycle vs Programme Lifecycles, Risk Management, Systems Engineering Processes, STSE Tools and Techniques, Requirements Management, QFD

Transferable skills

Communications, Leadership, Organisational, Teamwork, Team Development, Systems Thinking