If you want to build a complex system, you need to use project management and systems engineering, together. There is a lot of research and documentation in the area of systems engineering and project management. If the systems engineer and project manager work together well, the project is more likely to be delivered on time, within budget, and according to the user’s requirements.
There is a study by the National Defense Industrial Association Systems Engineering Division (NDIA-SED) collaborated with IEEE-AESS and the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to quantify the impact of systems engineering best practices on project performance. The comprehensive study found that the projects with high-level project performance rose to 57% among those using systems engineering, while the projects with low-level performance fell to 20%. This highlights the growing use of systems engineering and its impressive results.
Hence, it’s imperative to recognize the crucial strategic significance of systems engineering in projects of all complexities. Its significant role cannot be overstated, as it facilitates the effective management, execution, and timely completion of projects. Now we realize that systems engineering is a crucial methodology in project management that plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, managing complexity, and ensuring project success.
In this write-up, let’s explore the significance of systems engineering, its evolution, and its role in project success. We will also discuss the use case, challenges, and opportunities.
Evolution Of Systems Engineering
Over time, systems engineering has evolved. The important milestones on the journey of a certain project have greatly influenced how it is used today. Systems engineering methods have their own role in project management, originating in aerospace and defense and spreading to other industries.
It has truly undergone a transformative journey. It has been essential for solving complex industrial issues. Let’s take a look at the key stages of the evolution of systems engineering as a cohesive and strategic force behind project success.
- Pre-WW II: Architectural and civil engineers were early Systems Engineers on huge projects like the Egyptian pyramids and Golden Gate Bridge but without formal methods.
- WW II: Aircraft project managers managed important subsystems. Operations research gained relevance.
- The late 1950s: Pressure to develop space technologies and nuclear weaponry pushed systems engineering evolution further.
- Military Competition: Intense competition prompted the military and contractors to seek system performance and project management capabilities.
- The emergence of PERT: Program Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT) helped schedule and manage projects.
- Commercial Sector Involvement: Arthur Hall’s 1962 contributions advanced commercial systems engineering.
- Engineering Management Standardization: Standards were established for specifications, design reviews, and change control. Computers allowed thorough simulation and evaluation.
Systems Engineering Today
It’s interesting for systems engineers to explore other domains, such as eating different ice cream flavors at an ice cream shop. But here’s the thing – they don’t have to be experts in everything. All they really need is to have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the task at hand.
If you are interested in understanding how to adopt systems engineering and model based systems engineering practices within your organization, reach out to BlueKei Solutions team at info@Blue-Kei.com. We specialize in systems engineering consulting, project executions, process adoptions such as compliance to ISO15288, ARP 4754A, ISO 42020, digital transformations. We can also conduct capability development workshops which are experiential and tailored to your needs. With systems engineering adoption you can address the complexity, manage evolving risks and bring transformation in communication within your organization through digitalization and create the digital thread.