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On the Desirability of Integrating Research Methods into Overall Systems Approaches in the Training of Engineers: Analysis Using SSM
Author(s) -
Yearworth Michael,
Edwards Gordon
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2167
Subject(s) - soft systems methodology , bridge (graph theory) , bridging (networking) , computer science , systems thinking , system of systems , key (lock) , process (computing) , action research , system of systems engineering , management science , engineering management , knowledge management , engineering ethics , systems design , engineering , information system , management information systems , software engineering , artificial intelligence , psychology , mathematics education , computer network , computer security , medicine , electrical engineering , operating system
The development of systems practitioners in engineering has revealed the need to bridge between the research methods teaching of engineering management and soft systems approaches. Although action research might be viewed implicitly as the research strategy of systems practice, we argue that engineering management research methods, in the broadest sense, require practical linking with soft systems approaches to meet the needs of research projects that span the boundary between engineering and the social world. Our observations arise from the experience of delivery of an Engineering Doctorate in Systems Programme. We explore this need for bridging using soft systems methodology as a reflective device. We argue from our analysis that systems education for engineers needs to focus on 10 key aspects that will be instrumental in bringing about the wider use of soft systems approaches to engineering systems. We present these conclusions using a process‐oriented view. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.