What is Systems Engineering?
Systems engineering is the branch of engineering that develops systems, where a system is a collection of elements that work together as a unit. Systems engineering
may be applied to large systems, such as power plants, or to small systems, such as circuit components. It may be applied to hardware or to software systems. It may be applied to tangible products such
as automobiles or to intangible products such as services or processes. All branches of engineering use the principles of systems engineering.
The goal of systems engineering is development and management of systems (products and services) that satisfy customer requirements considering engineering, technology, environmental, management, risk,
and economic factors by viewing the system as a whole, over its life cycle.
Systems engineering is also the practice of “good engineering.” Through systems engineering and related courses, the student gains exposure to a variety of topics such as reliability, quality,
logistics/supply webs, operations research, engineering management, software engineering, telecommunications and environmental engineering. “Systems thinking” skills are developed which
foster more effective practice for the engineer or engineering manager within the business enterprise. The systems engineering program’s objective is to make you a better engineer or manager by
imparting an enhanced understanding of the impact of your engineering decisions, and the impact of other decisions on you.
Why Study Systems Engineering?
Studying systems engineering is useful because it encourages looking at the big picture as opposed to focusing only on details. System engineering covers the total
system life cycle, including concept, design, use, maintenance, and disposal. It looks at the system through the eyes of all the stakeholders, such as customers and users, who have an interest in the
system. Systems engineering applies science, mathematics, and management to problem-solving in ways that compliment all branches of engineering.