Methodological Considerations in the Design of Large Scale Systems Engineering Processes.
Abstract
This paper discusses some methodological considerations in the design of large scale systems engineering processes. We begin our effort by providing several definitions of system engineering. There are a number of impediments to the resolution of large scale issues in the public and private sectors and it is important that designers of appropriate and useful systems be aware of these. Following a discussion of these impediments, we present a structure describing the systems engineering process. This is used to motivate discussion of the functional considerations involved in a systemic process: systems science and operations research, systems methodology and design, and systems management. A brief discussion of methods for formulation, analysis an interpretation is followed by a discussion of systems management and the associated use of human judgement for the design of systemic processes. We believe the contingency task structure of systems management to be an especially useful guideline for the design of information systems for planning and decision support. We give a number of reasons supporting this belief and present a model for information aquisition and information evaluation based on our contingency task structure. A discussion of systems engineering in the political process and implications for professional practice is followed by delineation of the many potential benefits of the systems process. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA096872
Entities
People
- Andrew P. Sage
Organizations
- University of Virginia