Wherever I find myself – regardless of geographic location or application domain – if the community understands the practice and value of systems engineering, leading voices consistently warn of a shortage of systems engineers. Virtually every community complains of a bimodal distribution (a “bathtub curve”) with a heavy concentration of …

The systems we develop interface to external entities. The systems interact, impact, and are impacted by the environment and environmental factors. The systems we develop do not exist in isolation. The environment and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping the design our system. This article discusses how these …

In his book, A Technique for Producing Ideas, James Webb Young points out that in addition to understanding the domain in which the problem or challenge lies, the true innovator must have a wide understanding of the world in general. He says, “The more of the elements of that world …

I’m feeling especially blessed as I return to the office after a week in Fairfax, Virginia at the 2015 World Police and Fire Games. A dear friend of mine is a National Park Ranger and came to the Games to compete in the triathlon. I came to the Games to …