Applying systems thinking to systems engineering

The AI team does a deep dive into a made to the INCOSE Chesapeake Chapter presentation which challenges conventional systems engineering approaches by advocating for a more holistic, systems thinking perspective. It introduces the Holistic Thinking Perspectives (HTPs) framework, a multi-faceted method for analyzing problems from various viewpoints, including external (systems thinking) and internal (analysis) perspectives. The presentation contrasts systems thinking with conventional problem-solving, illustrating its limitations and highlighting the importance of understanding the system’s context and emergent properties. Furthermore, it critiques existing systems engineering standards and educational practices, arguing that they often fail to adequately address the complexities of real-world projects. Finally, it proposes a new paradigm for systems engineering education and practice, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a deeper understanding of system behavior over time.