Challenges in the development of systems engineering as a profession

Indrajeet Dixit, Ricardo Valerdi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper explores a fundamental and important question: is Systems Engineering a profession? It is fundamental because of the current existential crisis in the discipline and it is important because it helps in defining our role in the context of the greater technical community. By observing systems engineering through the theoretical lens of the professionalization literature rooted in sociology, we propose five key challenges to systems engineering as a profession. Firstly, defining the problem space, secondly, understanding the state of the body of knowledge, thirdly, the impact of lifecycle perspective, fourthly, the falsification of systems engineering theories and lastly, the question of standard of proof for systems engineering. The need for our thesis is motivated by understanding the current body of knowledge and proposing a direction that will enable the profession to overcome key challenges.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication17th Annual International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering, INCOSE 2007 - Systems Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationKey to Intelligent Enterprises
Pages866-881
Number of pages16
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event17th Annual International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering, INCOSE 2007 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 24 2007Jun 28 2007

Publication series

Name17th Annual International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering, INCOSE 2007 - Systems Engineering: Key to Intelligent Enterprises
Volume2

Other

Other17th Annual International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering, INCOSE 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period6/24/076/28/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Information Systems
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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