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Systems Engineering Pathology: Comprehensive Characterization of Systems Engineering Dysfunction
Author(s) -
Davidz Heidi L.,
Jackson Scott,
Thomas Dale
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2018.00584.x
Subject(s) - interfacing , computer science , process (computing) , dysfunctional family , audit , organ system , systems medicine , risk analysis (engineering) , pathology , systems biology , medicine , bioinformatics , disease , biology , clinical psychology , management , computer hardware , economics , operating system
In order to characterize dysfunction in the execution of the Systems Engineering (SE) process in a more methodical and systematic way, the Systems Science concept of Systems Pathology is extended to Systems Engineering Pathology. Poor SE execution can be due to inadequate execution, insufficient budgets, deficient interfacing, and other factors. These can be addressed by program/project audits and lessons learned. However, applying the science of Systems Pathology can provide a more integrated and methodical approach to address poor SE execution. SE Pathology can provide the holistic approach needed to better characterize dysfunction, for a better chance at intervention, prevention, and ultimately program success. Through a literature review, the logic behind Systems Engineering Pathology is explained and existing Systems Engineering Pathology work is discussed. These sources are aggregated to provide an expanded list of typical SE dysfunctions. Next steps for empirical study are proposed. Transfer of SE Pathology research findings to SE practice is discussed. As medicine has been gradually accumulating an understanding of causes, detection and treatment of diseased states, perhaps SE can begin to accumulate an understanding of causes, detection and treatment of dysfunctional execution. The objective would be to better achieve affordable, healthy SE functions enabled to positively influence program outcomes.