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7.5.2 Unraveling Systems Engineers from Systems Engineering: frameworks for describing the extent, variety and ambiguity of systems engineering and systems engineers
Author(s) -
Sillitto Hillary
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2011.tb01252.x
Subject(s) - scope (computer science) , ambiguity , system of systems engineering , variety (cybernetics) , biological systems engineering , system of systems , work (physics) , systems thinking , boundary (topology) , systems engineering , computer science , engineering management , engineering , systems design , civil engineering software , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , mathematics , mathematical analysis , programming language
This paper addresses a number of long‐running debates about the scope and boundaries of systems engineering, and about competency, specialisation and differentiation of “systems engineers” within these boundaries. Many authors have proposed segmentation of systems engineering based on one or multiple axes of differentiation. Some emphasise the need for “T‐shaped people”, expert in one area of engineering but able to work across many. This paper builds on the existing literature to set out an integrated framework for understanding the internal “flavours” and specialisations of systems engineering, within the overall scope and boundary of systems engineering as defined by the BKCASE SEBOK. The paper is intended to inform senior leaders in systems engineering organisations responsible for organisational and workforce development.