Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology

This book conceives, presents and exemplifies a contemporary,general systems methodology that is straightforward and accessible,providing guidance in practical application, as well as explainingconcept and theory. The book is presented both as a text forstudents, with topic assignments, and as a reference forpractitioners, through case studies.

Utilizing recent research and developments in systems science,methods and tools, Hitchins has developed a unified systemsmethodology, employable when tackling virtually any problem, fromthe small technological, to the global socioeconomic. Founded inthe powerful systems approach , Hitchins systems methodology brings together both soft and hard systemscientific methods into one methodological framework. This can beapplied when addressing complex problems, issues and situations,and for creating robust, provable solutions, resolutions anddissolutions to those problems supposing such to exist.

This book details and explores:

the systems approach, using theory and method to reveal systemsengineering as applied systems science, bridging the gulf betweenProblem and Solution Spaces; a universal Systems Methodology (including anextensive view of systems engineering, embracing both soft and hardsystems) which encompasses all five stages of Hitchins 5–layer Systems Engineering Model (artifact, project, enterprise,industry and socio–economy); case studies illustrating how the systems methodology may beused to address a diverse range of situations and issues, includingconceiving a new defense capability, proposing a feasible way totackle global warming, tackling enterprise interventions, how andwhy things can go wrong, and many more.

Systems Engineering will give an immeasurable advantageto managers, practitioners and consultants in a wide range oforganizations and fields including police, defense, procurement,communications, transport, management, electrical, electronic,aerospace, requirements, software and computer engineering.

It is an essential reference for researchers seeking systems enlightenment , including graduate studentswho require a comprehensive reference text on the subject, and alsogovernment departments and systems engineering institutions.

Foreword.

Preface.

Part I: Systems: Advances in Systems Science andThinking.

1. Systems Philosophy.

2. Advances in Systems Science.

3. Advances in Systems Thinking.

4. Systems Engineering Philosophy.

5. System Models.

Case A. Japanese Lean Volume Supply Systems.

Part II: Systems Methodology.

6. Overview of the Systems Methodology.

7. SM1: Addressing Complex Issues and Problems.

Case B. The Practice Intervention.

8. SM2: Exploring the Solution Space.

9. SM3 and 4: Focusing Solution System Purpose.

Case C: The Total Weapon System Concept.

10. SM5: Architecting/Designing System Solutions.

11. SM6: Optimize Solution System Design.

12. SM7: Create and Prove Solution System (SOS).

13. The Systems Methodology – Elaborated.

14. Setting the Systems Methodology to Work.

Case D: Architecting a Defense Capability.

Part III: Systems Methodology and SystemsEngineering.

15. Systems Engineering – The Real Deal.

16. Systems Creation: Hand of Purpose, Root of Emergence.

Case E: The police Command and Control System.

Case F: Fighter Avionics System Design.

17. SOS Engineering Principles and Practices.

Case G. Defense Procurement in the 21st Century.

18. Systems Engineering: Intelligent Systems.

Case H: Global Warming, Climate Change and Energy.

References.

Index.

Derek Hitchins retired from full time academic work in 1994, and is now a part–time consultant, teacher, visiting professor and international lecturer in the field of systems engineering. Previous to this, he held the British Aerospace Chairs in Systems Science and in Command and Control at Cranfield University. He has also held the position of Chair in Engineering Management at City University, London. His current research interests are in systems thinking, system requirements, social psychology & anthropology, Egyptology, command & control, system design and world–class systems engineering. He has had a wealth of experience, both in industry and in academia, having been (among a number of other posts) an Avionics System Design Manager for Tornado F2, Systems Architect for NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS) and Advanced Identification System, and Consultant Architect for the UK county police service command & control information system (CCIS). He has authored two books: Putting Systems to Work (Wiley, 1992) and Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering and Management (Artech House, 2003), and has lectured extensively over a 15 year period at undergraduate and MSc level in engineering management, systems science, systems thinking and systems engineering.

"This book is recommended for administrative and technical staff in industry and government agencies and for graduate students in engineering programs. It would be a good addition to academic, corporate and governmental library collections." ( E–Streams, December 2008)