Program Overview

The complexity of modern systems and projects has demonstrated that it is no longer possible to rely on design evolution and associated tools to improve and develop a system. To address this complexity, system engineering has evolved along with new methods and modeling techniques to better comprehend engineering systems as they grow more complex. System engineering is a holistic, robust approach to the design, creation and operation of systems. It consists of identification and quantification of system goals, creation of alternative system design concepts, performance of trade studies, selection and identification of the best design, verification that the design is properly built and integrated, and post implementation assessment of how well the system meets the customer goals and needs. The system engineering method deals with systems as an integrated whole comprised of diverse subsystems and functions and works to optimize overall system functions and achieve maximum compatibility of its elements. This course focuses on how complex engineering projects should be managed over the life cycle of the project. It deals with the work processes and tools to handle large scale complex engineering projects in a sustainable environment and overlaps with the technical and human disciplines characteristic of these projects.