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Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process

William Van Atten

4.8

Based on 34 ratings

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William Van Atten

In this course, you will learn what a systems engineer does. Following the conceptual foundations from The Need for Systems Engineering, you will perform requirements analysis and functional analysis on engineering programs. You will learn how to perform a trade study using a methodical, quantitative approach that is universal in application. This course also covers preparing design reviews, focusing on coordinating the inputs of multiple engineering disciplines into a cohesive description of the design approach.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Requirements and Performance Metrics

We will begin the course by revisiting the topic of requirements. Now that we know what requirements are and how to write them, we will examine what requirements management is all about. On a long-duration development program, we also need a way to measure our progress from a technical standpoint toward requirement compliance. A great tool for this is to think of it in terms of Measures of Performance. At the tactical level on a design team, we will execute that by establishing a small number of Technical Performance Measures, or TPMs. These important performance attributes will keep the design team focused on the customer's most important requirements and they will help assess our progress toward meeting those objectives.

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Introduces concepts that are highly relevant in engineering management

Presents various engineering disciplines and their relevance to systems engineering

Provides a structured approach for requirements analysis and functional analysis

Focuses on preparing design reviews and coordinating inputs from multiple engineering disciplines

Covers various audits, such as Functional and Physical Configuration Audits, to ensure documentation accuracy

Offers a comprehensive overview of the systems engineering design process

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Reviews summary

Practical systems engineering for design

According to students, this course offers a practical and insightful overview of applying systems engineering principles to the design process. Many learners found the instructor's real-world experience and clear explanations to be a significant strength, particularly the insights derived from their time in the Marine Corps and aerospace industry. The course excels in demystifying concepts like requirements analysis, trade studies, and design reviews, providing a solid theoretical foundation complemented by actionable strategies. While it caters well to professionals seeking to transition into management roles, some suggest a desire for even more hands-on exercises or case studies to deepen the practical application.

Best suited for those with engineering background.

"I found the pace perfect for a working professional, assuming some prior engineering exposure."

"This course is ideal for technical professionals looking to step into management, not necessarily absolute beginners."

"Coming from an engineering background, the course quickly built on familiar concepts, which was helpful."

Thorough introduction to SE design process.

"The modules on design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) were particularly well-structured and clear."

"I found the overall tying together of requirements, design, and manufacturability to be very coherent."

"This course provides a solid foundation for understanding the full systems engineering lifecycle."

Actionable strategies for real-world challenges.

"I can immediately apply the methodical trade study approach to my current projects at work."

"The course clearly explained how to perform functional analysis and requirements management in a practical way."

"It gave me practical tools and strategies I can apply immediately to my work."

Instructor's deep knowledge and practical insights.

"The instructor's experience, especially the F/A-18 stories, made the concepts really stick and feel real."

"I appreciated the real-world applications and leadership traits shared, directly from an experienced professional."

"His ability to simplify complex topics with practical examples was invaluable for my understanding."

Wish for more hands-on practice and case studies.

"Could benefit from more interactive exercises or perhaps a larger case study to apply all concepts."

"While the theory is strong, I would have loved more hands-on activities to reinforce the learning."

"The course is very informative, but I wish there were more practical application exercises."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process with these activities:

Read 'Systems Engineering: Principles and Practice' by Alexander Kossiakoff

Show steps

Enhance understanding of systems engineering principles and best practices by reading a comprehensive text.

View Systems Engineering Principles and Practice... on Amazon

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Purchase or obtain the book
Set aside dedicated time for reading
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Attend Industry Webinars on Systems Engineering

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Participate in industry webinars to learn from experts and gain insights into real-world systems engineering practices.

Browse courses on Systems Engineering

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Identify relevant industry webinars
Register for webinars and attend live or recorded sessions

Requirements Analysis Exercises

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Practice writing and analyzing requirements to improve understanding and ensure completeness and consistency.

Browse courses on Requirements Analysis

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Identify stakeholders and gather requirements
Classify and prioritize requirements
Develop use cases and scenarios
Create a requirements traceability matrix

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Design a Systems Engineering Plan

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Develop a plan outlining the systems engineering process for a hypothetical project, incorporating the concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Systems Engineering

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Identify project scope and objectives
Define system requirements
Create a functional decomposition
Conduct trade studies and select design options
Develop a system architecture

Career center

Learners who complete Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for the overall design and integration of complex systems, such as aircraft, spacecraft, and medical devices. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex systems projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex aerospace projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems, such as engines, turbines, and robotics. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex mechanical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex software systems projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems, such as power plants, electrical grids, and telecommunications systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex electrical systems projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, develop, and test civil infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex civil infrastructure projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and test chemical processes and products. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex chemical engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and test biomedical devices and systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex biomedical engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, develop, and test industrial processes and systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex industrial engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and test manufacturing processes and systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex manufacturing engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers design, develop, and test quality control systems and processes. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex quality engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineers design, develop, and test reliability systems and processes. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex reliability engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reliability Engineer

Safety Engineer

Safety Engineers design, develop, and test safety systems and processes. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex safety engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for the overall planning, execution, and control of projects. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Engineering Manager

Engineering Managers are responsible for the overall management of engineering teams and projects. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn how to define and manage requirements, conduct trade studies, and perform design reviews. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work on complex engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Manager

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process.

Economic Systems Analysis and Assessment

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Provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering fundamentals, including topics such as requirements analysis, functional analysis, and trade studies. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the systems engineering process.

Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical systems engineering for design

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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