3.1.1 Embedded Systems Engineering: Managing Systems Complexity, Change, and Crises

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of the “Embedded Systems Engineer” is proposed by the authors. The purposeful inclusion, and redefinition of, the Systems Engineer from that of a specialist supporting engineering activity to that of the persistent critical function underlying the management and direction of the Dynamic System. Today, Dynamic Systems, as described by John Sterman in Business Dynamics, have become commonplace. However the Systems Engineering Profession has not adequately responded by creating a correspondingly dynamic engineering management structure.Crises driven Engineering Change Proposals in lieu of knowledge‐driven systems engineering has become the standard response. Systems Engineers are challenged to adopt a new and even more important role responsible for management and oversight, maintenance and operations, and especially architecture and behavior in a Learning System context. Because Dynamic Systems are primarily Learning Systems, the Systems Engineering function is placed “on‐line” to manage rapidly changing systems requirements. These modern Learning Systems are based on the seminal work of Jay Forrester. The Embedded System Engineer's unique capabilities are critical to competent management and decision‐making within Dynamic Systems.