11.3.2 The Three Ts of Systems Engineering – Trading, Tailoring, and Thinking

Abstract

AbstractDefining what it is about Systems Engineering that makes it distinct from “normal” Engineering is one of the major challenges when making Systems Engineering explicit in an engineering company. This paper presents a view of Systems Engineering that emphasizes how the underpinning Systems Thinking enables Systems Engineering to ensure that the analytical thinking of normal engineering is used to the best advantage. This involves recognizing that trading is a natural part of the solution generation process. Trading is illustrated by an example from Rolls‐Royce's Naval Marine activities. The definition of Systems Engineering role within Rolls‐Royce is described as an example of tailoring. Systems Thinking should not only be used to understand the problem for which an “Engineered” solution (or system) is required, but also to understand the way the problem may be solved and the organization and roles needed to create the solution.