Identifying the Key Misconceptions in Systems Engineering
Abstract
Systems engineering (SE) is a field of study filled with various topics, and professionals enter the field along different educational pathways. Some system engineers have formal education, while others rely on prior background studies or on-the-job training. Although past studies highlight the core competencies needed to perform in an SE position adequately, they do not address the core concepts learned by students in a foundational SE course. This research identified the core concepts employing a qualitative data analysis method using subject matter experts. The research team selected subject matter experts from Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), NAVSEA, and industry. The team determined the core concepts by comparing the SE literature and contrasting the findings from the subject matter expert interviews. Additionally, this research identified problems in systems engineering design and issues students have with understanding core concepts. This research is designed to improve student learning in an educational environment. This research can be developed further by exploring other SE subfields in similar ways to find the concepts that exist in other SE subfields and how they overlap. Furthermore, the core concepts could be applied to create a concept inventory that would increase student knowledge transfer in the SE concepts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1150804
Entities
People
- Gerald M. Smith
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School