Title: Systems engineering: evolution and challenges

Authors: Andres Sousa-Poza; Charles Keating; Samuel Kovacic

Addresses: Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, Systems Research and Academic Building, Suite 2101, Norfolk VA 23529, USA ' Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, Systems Research and Academic Building, Suite 2101, Norfolk VA 23529, USA ' Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, Systems Research and Academic Building, Suite 2101, Norfolk VA 23529, USA

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the evolution of systems engineering using a framework developed for this purpose. Systems engineering was conceived to deal with complex problems and has evolved to address new challenges as they have emerged. The field has made advances in design capabilities and the process by which products are brought to realisation. It has worked at the limits of what is possible under an engineering governed paradigm. More challenges that involve extremely large, complex structures and networks include problems that supersede any form of design capability. The integration of a management-governed paradigm has become necessary. At this point, it is critical to map the future of systems engineering as a discipline that is capable of dealing with these new problems or can effectively limit itself to more traditional engineering undertakings.

Keywords: systems engineering; complexity; design process; system design; system management; system governance; design theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSE.2014.067104

International Journal of System of Systems Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.4, pp.379 - 399

Received: 21 Jul 2014
Accepted: 23 Jul 2014
Published online: 31 Jan 2015 *

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