Difference between revisions of "Systems Approach Applied to Engineered Systems"

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This knowledge area (KA) provides a guide for using the [[Systems Approach (glossary)|systems approach]] to identify and understand complex problems and opportunities; synthesize possible alternatives; analyze and select the best alternative; implement and approve a solution; and deploy, use and sustain [[Engineered System (glossary)|engineered system]] solutions. The active participation of stakeholders during all the activities of the systems approach is the key to the success of the systems approach.  
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This knowledge area (KA) provides a guide for applying the [[Systems Approach (glossary)|systems approach]] as a means of identifying and understanding complex problems and opportunities, synthesizing possible alternatives, analyzing and selecting the best alternative, implementing and approving a solution, as well as deploying, using and sustaining [[Engineered System (glossary)|engineered system]] solutions. The active participation of stakeholders during all the activities of the systems approach is the key to the success of the systems approach.  
  
In an engineered system context, a systems approach is a holistic approach that spans the entire life of the system; however, it is usually applied in development and operational/support life cycle stages. This knowledge area defines a systems approach using a common language and intellectual foundation to ensure that practical systems concepts, principles, patterns and tools are accessible to perform [[Systems Engineering (glossary)|systems engineering]] (SE), as is discussed in the introduction to [[Systems|Part 2: Systems]].   
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In an engineered system context, a systems approach is a holistic approach that spans the entire life of the system; however, it is usually applied in the development and operational/support life cycle stages. This knowledge area defines a systems approach using a common language and intellectual foundation to ensure that practical systems concepts, principles, patterns and tools are accessible to perform [[Systems Engineering (glossary)|systems engineering]] (SE), as is discussed in the introduction to [[Systems|Part 2: Systems]].   
  
 
==Topics==
 
==Topics==
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==Systems Approach==
 
==Systems Approach==
This KA describes a high-level framework of activities and principles synthesized from the elements of the systems approaches, as described earlier in Part 2 of the SEBoK, and is mapped to the articles [[Concepts of Systems Thinking]], [[Principles of Systems Thinking]], and [[Patterns of Systems Thinking]].  The concept map in Figure 1 describes how the knowledge is arranged in this KA and the linkage to the KA in Part 3. (Note to Editors.  The boxes in SEBok Part 3 box do not match the current KAs/Topic Areas on Part 3).
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This KA describes a high-level framework of activities and principles synthesized from the elements of the systems approach, as described earlier in Part 2 of the SEBoK, and is mapped to the articles [[Concepts of Systems Thinking]], [[Principles of Systems Thinking]], and [[Patterns of Systems Thinking]].  The concept map in Figure 1 describes how the knowledge is arranged in this KA and the linkage to the KA in Part 3.  
  
 
[[File:Fig_1_Systems_Engineering_and_the_Systems_Approach_RA.png|thumb|650px|center|'''Figure 1. Systems Engineering and the Systems Approach.''' (SEBoK Original)]]
 
[[File:Fig_1_Systems_Engineering_and_the_Systems_Approach_RA.png|thumb|650px|center|'''Figure 1. Systems Engineering and the Systems Approach.''' (SEBoK Original)]]
  
According to Jackson et al. (2010, 41-43), the systems approach to engineered systems is a problem-solving paradigm. It is a comprehensive problem identification and resolution approach based upon the principles, concepts, and thinking tools of [[Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking]] and [[Systems Science (glossary)|systems science]], along with the concepts inherent in engineering problem-solving. It incorporates a holistic systems view that covers the larger context of the system, including engineering and operational environments, stakeholders, and the entire life cycle.  
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According to Jackson et al. (2010, 41-43), the systems approach to engineered systems is a problem-solving paradigm. It is a comprehensive problem identification and resolution approach based upon the principles, concepts, and tools of [[Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking]] and [[Systems Science (glossary)|systems science]], along with the concepts inherent in engineering problem-solving. It incorporates a holistic systems view that covers the larger context of the system, including engineering and operational environments, stakeholders, and the entire life cycle.  
 
      
 
      
  
Successful systems practice should not only apply systems thinking to the system being created, but should also consider using systems thinking in the way that work is planned and conducted.  See [[Enabling Systems Engineering|Part 5: Enabling Systems Engineering]] for further discussions on how individuals, teams, businesses and enterprises may be enabled to perform systems engineering.
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Successful systems practice should not only apply systems thinking to the system being created, but should also utilize systems thinking in consideration of the way in which work is planned and conducted.  See [[Enabling Systems Engineering|Part 5: Enabling Systems Engineering]] for further discussions on how individuals, teams, businesses and enterprises may be enabled to perform systems engineering.
  
 
==References==  
 
==References==  

Revision as of 18:01, 16 April 2013

<html> <meta name="citation_title" content="Systems Approach Applied to Engineered Systems"> <meta name="citation_author" content="Pyster, Art"> <meta name="citation_author" content="Olwell, David H."> <meta name="citation_author" content="Hutchison, Nicole"> <meta name="citation_author" content="Enck, Stephanie"> <meta name="citation_author" content="Anthony, James F., Jr."> <meta name="citation_author" content="Henry, Devanandham"> <meta name="citation_author" content="Squires, Alice (eds)"> <meta name="citation_publication_date" content="2012/11/30"> <meta name="citation_journal_title" content="Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK)"> <meta name="citation_volume" content="version 1.0.1"> <meta name="citation_pdf_url" content="http://www.sebokwiki.org/1.0.1/index.php?title=Main_Page"></html> This knowledge area (KA) provides a guide for applying the systems approach as a means of identifying and understanding complex problems and opportunities, synthesizing possible alternatives, analyzing and selecting the best alternative, implementing and approving a solution, as well as deploying, using and sustaining engineered system solutions. The active participation of stakeholders during all the activities of the systems approach is the key to the success of the systems approach.

In an engineered system context, a systems approach is a holistic approach that spans the entire life of the system; however, it is usually applied in the development and operational/support life cycle stages. This knowledge area defines a systems approach using a common language and intellectual foundation to ensure that practical systems concepts, principles, patterns and tools are accessible to perform systems engineering (SE), as is discussed in the introduction to Part 2: Systems.

Topics

Each part of the Guide to the SE Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) is divided into KAs, which are groupings of information with a related theme. The KAs in turn are divided into topics. This KA contains the following topics:

Systems Approach

This KA describes a high-level framework of activities and principles synthesized from the elements of the systems approach, as described earlier in Part 2 of the SEBoK, and is mapped to the articles Concepts of Systems Thinking, Principles of Systems Thinking, and Patterns of Systems Thinking. The concept map in Figure 1 describes how the knowledge is arranged in this KA and the linkage to the KA in Part 3.

Figure 1. Systems Engineering and the Systems Approach. (SEBoK Original)

According to Jackson et al. (2010, 41-43), the systems approach to engineered systems is a problem-solving paradigm. It is a comprehensive problem identification and resolution approach based upon the principles, concepts, and tools of systems thinking and systems science, along with the concepts inherent in engineering problem-solving. It incorporates a holistic systems view that covers the larger context of the system, including engineering and operational environments, stakeholders, and the entire life cycle.


Successful systems practice should not only apply systems thinking to the system being created, but should also utilize systems thinking in consideration of the way in which work is planned and conducted. See Part 5: Enabling Systems Engineering for further discussions on how individuals, teams, businesses and enterprises may be enabled to perform systems engineering.

References

Works Cited

Jackson, S., D. Hitchins, and H. Eisner. 2010. "What is the Systems Approach?". INCOSE Insight. 13(1): 41-43.

Primary References

Checkland, P. 1999. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. New York, NY, USA: John Wiley & Sons.

Hitchins, D. 2009. "What are the General Principles Applicable to Systems?". INCOSE Insight. 12(4).

Jackson, S., D. Hitchins, and H. Eisner. 2010. "What is the Systems Approach?". INCOSE Insight. 13(1): 41-43.

Additional References

Hitchins, D. 2007. Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons.

Lawson, H. 2010. A Journey Through the Systems Landscape. London, UK: College Publications, Kings College.

Senge, P. M. 1990. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York, Doubleday/Currency.


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