Systems‐Engineering Methodology for Engineering Planning Applications

Abstract

This paper compiles a complete, concise, systematic systems‐engineering methodology that is practical for typical engineering planning applications. Systems engineering is a general methodology using a top‐down apprach to defining problems and evaluating solutions. It consists of an iterative sequence of functional analysis, requirements analysis, and architecture definition. It is a modification of the classical engineering approach that employs system descriptions of products or programs of interest. The functional description is introduced to complement the traditional physical or task descriptions, and is used to define the problem prior to the engineering of the solution. Another modification of the classical engineering approach is to require that the system approach be used in problem solving. This is necessary to ensure that all feasible alternatives are examined equally and that point solutions are avoided. Although systems engineering applications traditionally have focused on design of large physical systems, the process may be effectively adapted to planning applications. To do so the primary change necessary is to use performance objectives rather than performance requirements.