Systems engineering

Systems engineering (or systems design engineering) as a field originated around the time of World War II. Large or highly complex engineering projects, such as the development of a new airliner or warship, are often decomposed into stages and managed throughout the entire life of the product or system. This process of managing the system's life cycle (through concept, design, production, operation and disposal) is a bit like executing a series of interconnected engineering projects in a sequence, each project drawing on the results of the last until the end result is achieved.

Related Topics:
World War II - Engineering

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This approach to engineering systems is inherently complex, since the behavior of and interaction between system components is not always clearly defined. Defining and characterizing such complex systems is the primary aim of systems engineering.

Related Topics:
Behavior - Systems

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Admiral Grace Hopper has been quoted as saying "Life was simple before World War II. After that, we had systems."

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