Blog Archives

The AI takes a deep dive into the book “Systemic and Systematic Project Management” by J. Kasser (2019), exploring project management as a problem-solving paradigm that emphasizes the need for both systemic thinking, which considers the whole system, and systematic thinking, which involves a methodical, step-by-step approach. The book details various aspects of project lifecycle management, including planning methodologies like the “build a little test a little” method, cost and schedule estimation, and risk management strategies such as CRIP and ETL charts. … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into Derek K. Hitchins’ book, “Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology.” It comprehensively explores systems engineering principles and their application to diverse fields. The book uses a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interactions between system components and their environment. It covers various methodologies, including the Generic Reference Model (GRM) for system design and the Rigorous Soft Method (RSM) for problem-solving. The text also examines the role of human … Continue reading →

The AI team takes a deep dive into research that began with the question, “Why do systems engineering textbooks cover such different material while claiming to represent the same discipline?”. The research investigates the evolution of systems engineering over seven decades, hypothesizing a paradigm shift rather than mere topical variation in literature. Utilizing AI-assisted analysis of textbooks from 1950 to 2023, the study identifies three evolutionary phases: an initial engineering science dominance, a subsequent transition period, and a current fragmentation characterized by the predominance … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a 2000 paper, presented at the 13th International Conference on Software & Systems Engineering and their Applications, which explores the communication breakdown between systems and software engineers. The authors argue that this lack of communication, stemming from differing training, backgrounds, and interpretations of terminology, significantly contributes to project failures. They analyze the distinct perspectives and methodologies of each engineering discipline, highlighting misunderstandings around concepts like “component” and … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into David Hetherington’s webinar presentation on systems integration made in the INCOSE Sector III Speaker Series in December 2024 – Systems Integration: A Complex Challenge. The presentation details the complexities of integrating multiple systems from various suppliers. He contrasts two organizational types: “Marching Band” (highly structured, predictable) and “Goat Rodeo” (chaotic, unpredictable), offering strategies for success in each. The presentation uses case studies (a jackup rig and an infotainment system) to illustrate common pitfalls like … Continue reading →