In thinking about systems engineering we often set up a framework in which engineering receives a much stronger emphasis than the system aspects of the discipline. The INCOSE definition of systems engineering sets it apart from other engineering disciplines. In part it calls systems engineering, “. . . an engineering …

“Model” and “view” are terms that are used somewhat loosely in the world of systems engineering. Often they are used interchangeably. Frequently, the imprecision of their usage causes confusion. Careful consideration of these terms can offer some help in clearing away the confusion. Many model definitions feed this imprecision. Consider, …

Einstein once observed, “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” In the world of problem solving it is hard to overstate the importance of understanding the problem to be solved. Our natural tendency is …

In a previous post, Three Systems we have discussed the existence of three systems around any system design or improvement project. In every such project we deal with the system we are designing or improving, the context system in which it will live and the system we use to execute …