Systems Engineering Approaches

Learn the Systems Engineering from the Experts 

Systems Engineering Definition by INCOSE:
Systems Engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. Systems Engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs. International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

Systems Engineering Definition by DoD/DAU:
The term “systems engineering” was first coined in the early 1940s, and DoD began practicing the concept later that decade with the initial development of missiles and missile-defense systems. Systems engineering started gaining momentum following World War II. Because of its role in acquiring and developing large-scale, complex systems, DoD led the way in codifying the fledgling discipline by developing and releasing the first systems engineering standard in 1969. The principles in that baseline military standard (and later revisions) are still valid. Efforts aimed at revitalizing systems engineering have retained those aspects of the discipline that have proven successful in developing complex systems in the past in a framework that has evolved over time.


Systems Engineering Definition by NASA:
Systems engineering is a methodical, disciplined approach for the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system.

Systems Engineering Definition by FHWA:
An inter-disciplinary approach and a means to enable the realization of successful systems. Systems engineering requires a broad knowledge, a mindset that keeps the big picture in mind, a facilitator, and a skilled conductor of a team.