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3.3.1 Divergent Thinking in Systems Engineering Practice: Is There a Shortfall?
Author(s) -
Armstrong James R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2009.tb00961.x
Subject(s) - economic shortage , convergent thinking , systems thinking , divergent thinking , element (criminal law) , space (punctuation) , balance (ability) , field (mathematics) , work (physics) , engineering ethics , psychology , engineering , management science , computer science , mathematics , political science , artificial intelligence , mechanical engineering , social psychology , creative thinking , law , creativity , philosophy , linguistics , neuroscience , government (linguistics) , pure mathematics , operating system
Divergent thinking produces an expanded definition of both problem and solution space. Convergent thinking leads to the selected solution. A balance of the two is an essential element of effective systems engineering practice. A significant predominance of convergent thinkers and shortage of divergent thinkers has been noticed in a group of systems engineering students. A negative impact on exercise results was also noticed. If this is a valid observation of the general systems engineering field, there are serious implications that must be addressed in training and at work. This paper outlines the initial observation, impact, and potential for future research.