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Title: THE FOUNDATION OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Author
item Alessi, Randolph
item GRADY, JEFFREY - JOG SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
item WOODS, THOMAS - WESTINGHOUSE HANFORD CO
item WYMORE, WAYNE - SANDS
item FRIEDMAN, GEORGE - SPACE STUDIES INSTITUTE
item MAYHEW, MICHAEL - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item MAYHEW, KATHY - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item SHUSTER, CECILIA - SELF
item RHODES, DONNA - SYSTEMS ENG. TECHNOLOGY

Submitted to: Systems Engineering Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Systems engineering is a problem solving method that is used successfully. It is especially useful for large complex problems that involve many people of differing backgrounds and where integration is a key component of the work. Currently, systems engineering has no generally agreed-upon theoretical basis. This work presents historical background, identifies a team interested in theory and outlines some initial strategies to begin th search for a theory of systems engineering.

Technical Abstract: Systems engineering is an existing reality, but what is it? Many definitions exist but there seems to be no universally accepted one. Is it a process, a department, or an engineering discipline? From whence did it come and upon what fundamental scientific, mathematical, or logical facts does its foundation rest? The author team intends, over a period of time, to research earlier related work reported upon in National Council on Systems Engineering publications and other literature, explore these questions in new research, and periodically report progress. Initial work identifies a team, its mission and several theories that will be pursued. Initial work and strategies for study are presented. This work will lead to refinement of systems engineering as a formal discipline.