The Need for Systems Engineering

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/need-for-systems-engineering

Introduction

### Course Review: The Need for Systems Engineering on Coursera In an age where technology and complexity intersect with nearly every industry, understanding systems engineering becomes imperative. The course "The Need for Systems Engineering" on Coursera presents an engaging introduction to this interdisciplinary field, making it suitable for both novices looking to understand the basics and professionals seeking a refresher on critical principles. #### Overview This course dives into the principles of systems engineering, highlighting its significance in designing, realizing, and managing intricate systems. It emphasizes the importance of systems engineering in industry, particularly through the lens of real-world examples drawn from engineering successes and failures, notably in aerospace and defense sectors. With a focus on the lifecycle of systems and how to manage complexity, this course is essential for anyone involved in projects that require a holistic view of development processes. #### Course Structure & Syllabus The course unfolds over several structured modules, each designed to build upon the last: 1. **Systems Engineering: What Is It and Why Is It Important?** - The initial module lays the groundwork for understanding systems and systems engineering. It draws upon sources utilized by prestigious organizations like NASA and the Department of Defense. This contextual framework sets the stage for grasping the interdisciplinary nature of systems engineering and the various roles it encompasses. 2. **Systems Engineering's Role in Defining a System** - Here, participants learn how to effectively initiate complex system designs by assessing current capabilities and identifying gaps. Emphasis is put on the formulation of requirements and functionalities, pivotal for any engineering project. 3. **Systems Engineering Lessons Learned** - This module takes a reflective approach by analyzing two notable spacecraft accidents, offering students tangible lessons on how systems engineering could have potentially mitigated or avoided such tragedies. 4. **Test** - A critical look at the link between systems engineering and test engineering illustrates how these two fields are interdependent. Participants will gain insights into important testing considerations that are essential to the overall engineering process. 5. **Modeling & Simulation and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)** - The final module revisits key concepts from previous lessons while introducing the concept of MBSE. This reflects how contemporary systems engineering practice is evolving through modeling and simulations, which are central to large-scale design efforts. #### Highlights and Recommendation One of the standout features of this course is its practical applicability. By using case studies and examples from real engineering projects, the course demonstrates how systems engineering principles can directly influence project outcomes. The inclusion of lessons from historical mishaps provides a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in engineering decisions. The course is not only academically enriching but is also designed for accessibility, making it suitable for various backgrounds. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or simply curious about systems engineering, this course can provide invaluable insights. If you're seeking a comprehensive understanding of systems engineering, "The Need for Systems Engineering" on Coursera comes highly recommended. It opens up the world of complex systems management, arming you with the knowledge to think critically and systematically about engineering challenges. With its structured approach and real-world relevance, this course is a must-take for anyone looking to enhance their skills in this crucial area.

Syllabus

Systems Engineering: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Welcome the the first week of "The Need for Systems Engineering". This week, we will define what we mean when we say system, a system of systems, and systems engineering. We will draw from publicly available systems engineering handbooks used by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify the role system engineering serves in complex engineering processes, the interdisciplinary role of a systems engineer, and the lifecycle of a system.

In this module, we will examine how complex system design program is initiated based on establishing a need. It is best to study how the needed capability is currently provided and why this leaves a capability gap. We will then proceed with defining the system by writing requirements as well as identifying its functions.

In this module, we will examine two space craft accidents and how Systems Engineering could have potentially been used to avoid the mishap.

There is an important symbiotic relationship between Systems Engineering and Test Engineering. Those two disciplines often report to the same functional manager because they are so tightly coupled. This module will introduce some important test considerations.

In this module, we will reflect back on the topics that have been covered during the first Module of this Specialization on Systems Engineering by highlighting a few of the main concepts. I will introduce you to the topic of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and conclude by explaining how Systems Engineering is put to use in a large, complex design effort.