ABSTRACT
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of
successful systems. It is also considered as the art and science of developing an operable system that
meets requirements within often opposed constraints. Systems engineering is a holistic, integrative
discipline, wherein the contributions of aerospace engineers, electrical engineers, mechatronic
engineers, physics engineers, structural engineers, and many more disciplines are evaluated and
balanced, one against another, to produce a coherent whole that is not dominated by the perspective
of a single discipline. In fact, systems engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups
into a team effort forming a structured development covering a system life cycle, which is commonly
used to refer to the stepwise, iterative evolution of a new system from “cradle to the grave", i.e., from
concept through development and on to production, operation, and ultimate disposal.
The recognition of systems engineering as a distinct activity is often associated with the effects of the
2nd World War. Thereafter, systems engineering has evolved from a process focused primarily on
large-scale and complex defense systems to a broader discipline that is used in all kinds of project
development. Indeed, systems engineering principles can be applied to any system development.
Research and development efforts, on the other-hand, have typically avoided application of structured
processes according to systems engineering principles, primarily due to a perception that such
structure inhibits the creative processes that are so crucial to the discovery and development of new
technologies. Systems engineering principles and creative discovery are, however, not mutually
exclusive environments. In the contrary, appropriately tailored systems engineering processes may
enable and enhance scientific discovery.
In this contribution, the principles and practices of systems engineering will be introduced. Some
emphasis is to be given to systems development process, which includes the system life cycle model
with its evolutionary characteristics, and the use of the so-called systems engineering method.
Through a few case studies, the viewpoints of systems engineering principles will be described.
Regarding the scientific discovery, the application of the same principles, including the risk
management, to basic research, applied research and development research will be presented. The
future state of systems engineering will also be highlighted.