Session 2

Foundations of Systems Engineering

Session Speaker : Dr. Govind R. Kadambi

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

Session Objectives
To study and understand : Definition of System Engineering Origins of Systems Engineering Requirement of Systems Engineering Various Viewpoints Systems Engineering Viewpoint Challenges and power of Systems Engineering Technical orientation Systems Engineering Attributes of System Engineers

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

Session Topics
System Science and Engineering Definition of System Engineering Origins of Systems Engineering Examples of Systems Requiring Systems Engineering Why Systems Engineering is Important? Systems Engineering Viewpoint Balanced, Successful and Best System Systems Engineering as a Profession Challenges in System Engineering Power of Systems Engineering Technical orientation of Systems Engineers Attributes and Character of System Engineers
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
3

System Science and Engineering

System as a Whole: A system is an assemblage or combination of elements or parts forming a complex or unitary whole, such as a river system or transportation systems Any assemblage or set of correlated members, such as a system of currency An ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, or doctrine in a particular field of knowledge or thought, such as system of philosophy A coordinated body of methods or complex scheme or plan of procedure, such as a system of organization and management Any regular or special method or plan of procedure, such as system of marking, numbering, or measuring
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
4

Classification of Systems
Natural System and Human-Made System: Natural System a high degree of order and equilibrium, such as seasons, food chains, water cycle Human-made system technology based system Physical and Conceptual System: Physical system in physical form or space Conceptual system in ideas, plans, concepts, hypotheses Static and Dynamic System: Static system structure without activity Dynamic system structural components with activity Closed and Open System: Closed system one that does not interact with its environment Open system one that interact with its environment
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
5

Transition to the Systems Age

Machine Age: Advanced nations of the world are leaving one technological age and entering another. This transition is bringing about a change in the conception of the world. Reductionism can be reduced, decomposed, or disassembled to: simple indivisible parts an analytical way of thinking about the world. Mechanism can explained by only one ultimately simple relation: Cause and effect Industrial revolution brought about mechanization Systems Age: 1940s: end of machine age, beginning of system age Expansionism all objects and events as parts of large wholes In synthetic thinking, viewed as part of larger system, its role on large system The system age is more interested in putting things together than in taking them apart. Analytic thinking is Outside-in thinking, Synthetic thinking is Inside-out
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
6

Engineering in System Age

In Systems Age, Successful accomplishment of engineering objective requires a combination of technical specialties and expertise Engineering in Systems Age: Team Work activity where various individuals involved are of the important relationship between specialties and between economic factors, ecological factors, political factors, and social factors Engineering Decision requires the consideration of these factors in the early stage of system design and development, and the results of such decisions have a definite impact on these factors. Imposing constraints on the design process

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

Engineering in System Age

Technical Expertise must include both Basic knowledge of individual specialty field of engineering Knowledge of the context of the system being brought into being Large-Scale Systems requires the combined input of specialists representing Wide variety of engineering disciplines; for ground masstransit system, civil engineer, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, architecture engineers, reliability and maintainability engineers, industrial engineers, test engineers, engineers in planning and marketing, and General System Engineers for integrating and functioning as a single entity
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
8

System Engineering -Definitions

System Engineering : - A function of guiding the engineering of a complex system - System is a set of interrelated components working together towards a common object. Guide- To lead, Manage or direct, usually based on the superior experience in pursuing a given cause - Emphasizes the process of selecting the path to others to follow from many possible courses Engineering- Application of scientific principles to practical ends as the design, construction and operation of efficient and economical structures, equipment, and systems Complex- Systems with diverse elements having intricate relationship with one another - Requires systems engineering for its development
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
9

System Engineering and Traditional Engineering

System Engineering differs from the traditional disciplines:

Is focused on the system as a whole Emphasizes total operation Looks the system from outside and inside Engineering design and external factors constraining the design Is concerned with customer needs and operational environment Leads system conceptual design Bridges traditional engineering disciplines and gaps between specialties Guides and Coordinates the design of individual elements M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

10

System Engineering and Project Management

Engineering of a new system begins with an exploratory stage of a new concept Decision to engineer the concept into an operational system leads to a major enterprise Project is an enterprise entrusted with a task of lead and coordinate its execution System Engineering is an integral part of project management Plans and Guides the Engineering Efforts System Engineering sets the Objectives, guiding its execution and evaluation of the results as well as suggesting corrective actions Systems Engineering supports the management and control aspects of the project- fiscal, contractual and customer relations Realization of importance of Systems Engineering by various groups in a system development project
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
11

Origins of Systems Engineering

No particular date associated Systems Engineering as a distinct activity dates back to World War II System Engineering as an unique activity as a necessary corollary dates back to 1960s Tremendous spur for systems engineering during World War II through thrust for advanced technology for gain of military advantage Tremendous time pressure and engineering challenges posed a thrust for a level of organization and efficiency System Engineering was conceived as a necessity to meet these challenges
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
12

Origins of Systems Engineering

Growing requirement of military drove the growth of technology in aerospace, control systems and materials Solid State Electronics had profound effect on on technological spur Digital computers and the associated software technology had significant impact in stretching the technology beyond the perceived limits Three basic factors that can relate the modern systems engineering to its origin are: - Advancing Technology - Competition - Specialization
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
13

Advancing Technology
Single largest factor in the emergence of systems engineering as an essential ingredient for complex systems Extended the capabilities of earlier systems Creation of host of new systems Not only affected the nature of products but also fundamentally changed the way they are engineered Innovation and Engineering together increase the risk of unexpected risks Effect on overall system performance cost and delays Risk in failure to apply latest technology- Inferior product and Obsolete
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
14

System Engineering and Risk Management

System Engineering approach to early adaptation of new technology embodies the practice of risk management Risk management is a process to deal with calculated risks through an approach of analysis, development, test, and engineering oversight Risk management is an essential task of System Engineering Requires a knowledge of the total system and its critical elements System Engineer is central to the decision of achieving a best balance of risks Judicious choice of needed advanced technology
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
15

System Engineering and Competition

Different levels of competitive pressures Competitive contracting for the development of new system capabilities Commercial Product- develop new market or increased market share through superior product Commercial product with an edge to maintain lead for a number of years Competition to generate the financial resources Need to weigh a relative payoff of proposed programs Phased approach in the new development efforts Competition between performance, cost, and schedule Impossible or difficult to optimize all the three at once
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
16

Competition- Trade-off-analysis
Necessary to examine alternatives in which desired characteristics are allowed to vary Select the combination that best balances its values for the benefit of the user Competition of any form exert pressure on the system development process Most desirable approach warrants the examination of numerous potential alternatives Demand of the breadth of technical breadth and judgmenttrade off analysis Trade-off-analysis is one of the best practices of systems engineering

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

17

Why System Engineering is Important ?

Modern System Engineering Characteristics: Advancing Technology brought Risk and Complexity in Competition required Expert Risk-Taking Specialization required bridging disciplines and interfaces Example of Complex System: Aerospace Systems- Satellite System and Aircraft System Terminal Air Traffic Control System, Air Navigation System, Radar System Successful System Engineering Viewpoints: Understands users needs and focuses on their satisfaction Balances superior performance with affordability and timelines Applies new technology and manages resulting risks Seeks the best overall balance among conflicting objectives Bridges specialized disciplines and components, focusing on the total system Requires a consistent system engineering approach in the organization
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
18

System Engineer and Specialization

Complex system viewed in terms of number of different functions Subdivision carries the inherent advantage of expertise in narrowed domain specialization and therefore a superior product Immensity and diversity of engineering knowledge is a basic condition for system development process Convenience of subdividing complex systems into individual building blocks leads to problem in integration Both physical fit and functional fit must be ensured Physical fit leads to interface Functional fit relates to interactions

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

19

Specialization and Modularity

Limitations of expertise of individual specialties and province of systems engineers Subdivision of systems into building blocks leads to concept of modularity Modularity is a measure of degree of mutual independence of individual system components An essential goal of systems engineering is to realize a high degree of modularity Functional allocation is a process of subdividing the system into modular building blocks

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

20

Systems Requiring Systems Engineering

System development is strongly driven by technological change Attributes or Characteristics of a system whose development, test and application require the practice of Systems Engineering are: - Is an engineered product satisfying a specified need - Consists of diverse components that have intricate relationships with one another - Relatively complex and multi- disciplinary - Use of advanced technology in ways that are central to the performance of primary functions - Involves development of risk and often relatively high cost S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies M

21

Example of Complex System

Aerospace Systems- Satellite System and Aircraft System Terminal Air Traffic Control System, Air Navigation System, Radar System

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

22

Example of Complex System

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

23

Systems Engineering View Point

Development of a new profession System Engineering Complex system development and interleaving advanced technology, competitive pressure and specialization of engineering disciplines Systems Engineering was not an academic discipline, rather filled by engineers and scientists with experience Acquiring requisite breadth technical knowledge and developing a new way of thinking is termed as System Engineering Viewpoint Essence of System Engineering Viewpoint making the central objective as a whole and the success of its mission Subordination of individual goals and attribution in favour of the overall system
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
24

Successful System
Principal focus of the Systems Engineering from the start is the success of the system Major emphasis on : - Meeting requirements - Development objectives - Successful operation in field - Long and useful operating life System Engineering Viewpoint encompasses the above Looking beyond the obvious and the immediate Establishment of a technical approach Anticipating development problems and arriving at remedial measures during development cycle
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
25

Successful System Development

Need of consistent well understood systems engineering approach Systematic planning and disciplined direction Extensive planning and analysis Reviews and Documentation Innovation that is often overlooked Advanced technology adaptation- way to ward off extreme Competition Choice of selecting an appropriate technology and plan of critical experiments Decision on potential fallbacks System Engineering Viewpoint- a combination of risk taking and risk mitigation

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

26

Best System
Two Oft-Stated maxims : The best is the enemy of the good System Engineering is the art of good enough System Engineering seeks best possible system, often not the one with the best possible performance Performance is one of the metrics in Systems Engineering Equally critical attributes are affordability, time availability, maintenance use Seeking best balance of the critical system attributes from successful development program and its value to the user
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
27

Successful System Best System

Upper Horizontal line represents the theoretical limit in performance inherent in the selected approach Co represents the cost for just achieving acceptable performance Steeper slope in the beginning and lesser slope later Law of diminishing returns- interdependence of performance and cost Decreasing slopeincremental gain at increment in added cost
28

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

Successful System Best System Viewpoints

Performance to cost ratio- Concept of cost effectiveness Beyond a point, gain in effectiveness decreases Performance of best overall system is likely to be close to that where P/C ratio peaks, provided this point is significantly above the minimum acceptable performance
29

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

Balanced System
Balance- harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design or a composition System Engineering thrives for balance among different components of a system Realization of this balance is a daunting task Domain Specialist usually show a narrow focus System engineers must always focus on the system as a whole Must address design specialty only in so far as they may affect the overall system performance, development risks, cost and long term system viability
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
30

Balanced System Viewpoints

Judgment of how they should be balanced must come from a deep understanding of how these system works.
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
31

Balanced System and Viewpoint

Component must receive the proper balance of attention and resources for achieving the capabilities that are optimal for overall system behaviour System Engineer is a honest technical broker guiding the establishment of technical design compromises Balanced Viewpoint- a system view that connotes a focus on balance Ensures that no system attribute is allowed to grow at expense of an equally important or more important attribute Deep understanding of how the system works is a must System Engineering demands the judgment and thought process at a level to encompass all the system characteristics
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
32

Balanced Viewpoint
Viewpoint of system engineer calls for a different combination of skills and knowledge Technical breadth, Technical depth and management depth are three attributes Design specialist may have limited managerial skills but a deeper understanding in related technologies Project manager may not have depth in any particular technical discipline but must have considerable managerial skills System Engineer requires skills in all the three attributes that represents the balance needed to span the system needs System Engineer operates in more dimensions

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

33

Balanced System Viewpoints

Three dimensional of system capability: Technical Depth, Technical Breath, Management Depth`
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
34

System Engineering as a Profession

System Engineering as profession has not been widely recognized Primary recognition from companies and department of Systems Engineering Non correspondence to traditional academic engineering Academic Engineering based on Quantitative and established physical laws Systems Engineering deals mainly with problems for which there is incomplete knowledge Variables in Systems Engineering do not exhibit known functional relationship Establishment of balance among conflictive objectives through incommensurate attributes
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
35

System Engineering as a Profession

Professional System Engineering: An increasing role in government and industry Numerous graduate degree programs International Council on System Engineering (INCOSE) Successful System Engineer: A Good problem solver, and should welcome challenges Well grounded technically, with broad interests Analytical and systematic, bur also creative Superior communicator, with leadership skills System Engineering is powerful discipline: A multidisciplinary knowledge, integrating diverse system element Ability to perform approximate calculations of complex phenomena Skeptical positive thinking is a pre-requisite to prudent risk taking

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

36

System Engineering Standards

System Engineering as a unique discipline not realized due to absence of quantitative knowledge Growing recognized need for Systems engineering in industries and government leading to academic program International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Systems Engineering Standards Electronics Industry Association (EIA - 632) Processes for Engineering a System (12/98) EIA/Interim Standard - 731 Systems Engineering Capability Model (12/98) IEEE 1220 Application and Management of the SE Process, (1998) European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS-E10A) System Engineering, (5/96)
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
37

System Engineering Standards

SE Standards Under Development
ISO 15288, ISO SPICE, Systems Engineering for Space Systems, SE Data Exchange, Capability Maturity Model Integration, System Architecture (IEEE P1471) INCOSE- Primary objective to promote Systems Engineering education and the recognition of Systems Engineering as a profession

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

38

Challenges in Systems Engineering

Inhibiting factors to choose the system engineering profession : - Deviation from a chosen well established discipline - More diverse - Complicated and uncertain practices Requirement of investment of time and efforts to an extensive broadening of the engineering base Learning communication and management skills Perception that road to systems engineering career may be difficult, obvious non rewarding and unattractive Great deal of new learning Expertise in traditional engineering domain is of limited help
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

39

Attractions in Systems Engineering

Ambiguous issues, abstract and defying definitive solutions For systems engineer, success is measured by the apparent absence of difficulties rather than spectacular success

Attractions:
Why do very good people devote time to pursue System Engineering? Answer may lie in the challenges rather in the rewards Deal the most important issue in system development process Focus on system architecture and technical approach rather merely on the component design Prioritize the system requirement in conjunction with the customer
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
40

Attractions in Systems Engineering

Decide the risks that are worth undertaking and ensuring program success Map out the course of development program that decides the timing of tests and simulation Ultimate authorities on how the performance and affordability of system can be achieved at the same time Solve unanticipated problem arising during development process Guide the system development through their superior knowledge of the system as a whole rather than through their position in the organization Steer complex program through a spate of possible difficulties to a successful conclusion
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
41

Orientation of Technical Professionals

Special relationship of System Engineers with other disciplines Technical professionals represent the divergence in both their specialties and orientation Scientist: -Understanding nature and behavior of physical world - Why and How Mathematician: - Derivation of logical sequences of a set of assumptions unrelated to the real world - If A, then B Engineers: - Creation of useful product
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
42

Orientation of Technical Professionals

Orientation is primarily responsible for the scientists and engineers to focus in their own aspects of science and technology In most professionals, these orientations are not absolute Three Orthogonal vectors to describe the orientation of technical professionals: Science, Mathematics and Engineering A point at each vertex represents a mixture of 100 % of the corresponding component Figure shows 70% science, 20% Mathematics and 10% Engineering Curricula of Technical discipline is focused and concentrated resulting in limited general knowledge of most graduate students
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
43

Rarity of System Engineers

Accentuation of polarization of technical professionals to diverse discipline after graduation Urge to get recognition Fear to become generalist Specialization of profession inhibits inter personal communication Differences in basic objectives and thought process are even more serious System Engineer - Rare individuals among established professionals in one principal discipline who opt to work jointly with other specialists to solve interdisciplinary problems

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

44

Technical Orientation Phase

Special relationship of system engineers: objective, interests, attitudes.

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
45

Technical Orientation Population Density

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

46

Attributes and Motivations of Systems Engineers

System Engineer is required to work in interdisciplinary environments Grasp the essentials of related disciplines Aptitude for science and engineering helps Must have creative bent and liking to solve practical problems Interest in job should be greater than interest in career advancement Systems Engineering is more of a challenge than a quick way to the top

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

47

Characters of Successful System Engineers

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Enjoy learning new things and solving problems Like a challenge Are skeptical of unproven assertions Are open minded to new ideas Have a solid background in science and engineering Have demonstrated technical achievement in a specialty area 7. Are knowledgeable in several engineering areas 8. Pick up new ideas and information quickly 9. Have good interpersonal and communication skill
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
48

Power of Systems Engineering

Measure of power of System Engineers is through over the influence for the success or failure of the system and its characteristics Success or failure of the system development Sources of power come from knowledge, skills and attitude Three major attributes of power of Systems Engineers - Multidisciplinary Knowledge - Approximate Calculation - Skeptical Positive Thinking
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
49

Multidisciplinary Knowledge
Collective efforts of various Specialists in different disciplines Each of the domain Specialization has its own technical language and acronyms Knowledge of each discipline is vast and unknown to other specialties System Engineers are sufficiently knowledgeable in varied disciplines required for the system Systems Engineer performs the rare feat of providing linkage for various disciplines to function as a team System Engineer is capable of operate as a leader and trouble shooter, problem solver no one else is capable of accomplishing Central and decisive role in system development
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
50

Power of Approximate Calculation

Ability to carry out back of the envelope calculations to obtain a sanity check of complex calculations Rough estimate to ensure that a gross omission or error has not been committed Use of test principles to apply basic relationships to derive an order of magnitude to serve as a check Important if the results of the calculation or experiment turn out very differently from the expected If sanity check does not confirm the results of a simulation or experiment, it is appropriate to revisit the assumptions and conditions More often, such an exam reveal an error in the condition or assumption
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
51

Power of Skeptical Positive Thinking

An important characteristics of successful systems engineering Skeptical part is important to temper the traditional optimism of the design specialist Driving force for the insistence of validation of the selected at the earliest possible opportunity Directly related to the characteristic of positive thinking Refers to the reaction of in the face of failure or apparent failure of selected technique or design approach Conditions under which the unexpected failure occurred For valid test conditions, the systems engineer must set about finding ways to circumvent the cause of failure Requirement of a new start along a different path is usually not acceptable
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
52

Power of Skeptical Positive Thinking

Multidisciplinary knowledge permits System Engineer to look for alternative solutions in other parts of the system Characteristic of positive thinking is necessary to generate and sustain the confidence of customer and management as well as design team Without the Can Do, the productivity of the project organization is bound to suffer

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

53

Session Summary
Systems Engineering has the main function of guiding the engineering of a complex system System is a set of interrelated components working towards a common objective Systems Engineering bridges traditional engineering disciplines and the gaps Systems Engineering is an integral part of project management that plans and guides the engineering effort Modern systems engineering originated because of Advancing technology, competition and specialization for bridging engineering disciplines Systems Engineering view point is focused on producing a successful system with understanding of user needs
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
54

Session Summary
Systems Engineering balances superior performance with affordability and timelines Systems Engineering seeks overall balance among conflicting objectives Systems Engineering is three dimensional with great technical breadth, moderate technical depth and management expertise System Engineering is a powerful discipline requiring multidisciplinary knowledge Systems Engineer must be a good problem solver, systematic and a good communicator Systems Engineering focuses on system architecture and technical approach rather merely on the component design
M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
55

Session Summary
System Engineer is capable of operate as a leader and trouble shooter, problem solver no one else is capable of accomplishing System Engineers emerge among established professionals in one principal discipline who opt to work jointly with other specialists to solve interdisciplinary problems Systems Engineering is more of a challenge than a quick way to the top

M S Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies

56