The INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Fifth Edition (SEH 5E) is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights and best practices for systems engineering practitioners. By internalizing the key takeaways from this handbook, engineers can improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes and contribute to the development of better systems. Here are some essential takeaways from the SEH 5E that can make you a better engineer:
1. Optimize Systems Engineering Effort
Contrary to popular belief, increasing systems engineering effort does not automatically lead to better results. The SEH 5E emphasizes the importance of identifying the optimal level of SE effort, which typically falls within 10–14% of the total project cost [1]. This “sweet spot” maximizes the return on investment for SE activities (the actual percentage may vary depending on context details, but it is a useful heuristic).
Engineers should aim to balance the application of sound SE practices while minimizing unnecessary complexity. Achieving this balance requires close collaboration with key stakeholders and domain experts—a cornerstone guideline of SE: involve stakeholders early and maintain open, frequent communication throughout the engineering process.
2. Tailor Your Approach
The SEH 5E builds on the tailoring section from the fourth edition, placing greater emphasis on how the system type influences the tailoring of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 standard to the relevant context [2]. This added focus on tailoring, a fundamental aspect of systems engineering, is key to achieving effective and efficient engineering outcomes, as highlighted in Takeaway 1.
Effective tailoring is fundamental to success, and engineers should be prepared to adapt their approaches to suit various projects and product applications. Tailoring should be applied at both the organizational and project levels, aligning with the concept of ‘Organizational Project-Enabling Processes.’ This approach enables project teams to engineer systems using an ‘organizational toolbox,’ which provides the resources and methods necessary—including tools specifically designed to tailor projects to their unique contexts.
3. Leverage Systems Thinking and Interdisciplinary Approaches
Systems engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, thriving through interactions with fields such as biomimicry, design thinking, and pattern recognition [3]. The SEH 5E highlights the value of these complementary approaches in enhancing traditional SE analyses and methodologies.
Engineers should cultivate an appreciation for the connections between systems thinking and systems science while actively exploring insights from other disciplines to enrich their practice and expand their problem-solving toolkit.
4. Understand the Nesting of Ecosystems
The SEH 5E introduces the concept of nested ecosystems, emphasizing that every system of interest operates within a larger system of interest [1]. This nested structure includes the Engineered System (System 1), the Life Cycle Project Management System (System 2), and the surrounding Enterprise and Innovation System (System 3).
Understanding and acknowledging these interconnected relationships within a broader context is invaluable for effective systems engineering, as it ensures a holistic approach to system design and management.
5. Develop Both Hard and Soft Skills
While developing the core practices of systems engineering, such as system requirements definition, system architecting, and verification and validation, is paramount, the importance of soft skills cannot be overstated. Effective systems engineering practitioners must be strong communicators to articulate complex ideas clearly, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and inspire stakeholders toward shared goals [4].
Investing in both hard and soft skills creates a well-rounded professional who can navigate technical challenges while fostering productive team dynamics and stakeholder relationships. Balancing technical expertise with interpersonal effectiveness is key to advancing one’s practice and delivering successful outcomes.
6. Emphasize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The SEH 5E acknowledges the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in systems engineering [4]. Research has shown that diverse teams develop better systems, and engineers should prioritize DEI considerations in their work. By doing so, they can create more effective and sustainable systems [6, 7].
In conclusion, the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Fifth Edition provides invaluable insights and best practices for systems engineering professionals (and indeed, any engineer). By embracing these lessons, engineers can enhance their skills, design more effective systems, and make meaningful contributions to the progress of the field.
References:
(1) INCOSE SEH 5E Part 1: Systems Engineering Introduction
(2) INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Fifth Edition, Part 4: Tailoring and Applied Considerations
(3) INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Fifth Edition, Part 3: Life Cycle Analyses and Methods
(4) INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Fifth Edition, Part 5: Systems Engineering in Practice
(5) Bourne, L. (2016). Systems engineering: A concise handbook. CRC Press.
(6) National Academy of Engineering. (2019). A Framework for Developing a System of Systems Approach to Strengthen the Resilience of the Nation’s Electric Power Grid.
(7) Collofello, J. S., & Wolf, T. V. (2020). The Impact of Diversity on Systems Engineering Teams. Journal of Systems Engineering, 23(3), 253-265.
