Systems Engineering—Planning

Abstract

The term “Systems Engineering” means something different to almost every writer and lecturer on the subject; indeed, the authors of this and the companion paper* do not agree, in detail, on a single definition. Consequently, the viewpoint that we have adopted is so broad that every practitioner should be able to find a niche for his particular model. Throughout, we will assume that a “system” is a collection of equipment and a plan for its operation that will make the complex serve a definite function. Systems Engineering, whatever it is, will be assumed to permeate the creative process that starts with a concept and ends with the release of the system to a user community as a tested, material means of fulfilling a need or providing a service.