| This course introduces a methodology to bring systems, processes, and operations into being: systems design. It builds on previous systems engineering courses and presents systems design as an iterative, decision-making process. Cadets learn how to apply the basic sciences, mathematics and other engineering disciplines to design, produce and maintain trustworthy, large-scale, complex systems to meet the objectives of a client or stakeholder group. Since large-scale systems usually involve people, information, technology, and organizations, the design experience also draws on knowledge from the humanities, computer science, physical sciences, and natural sciences taught in the core academic program. The systems engineering design methodology is presented as an integrated, life cycle approach to formulating, analyzing, and interpreting design alternatives. Emphasis is placed on developing cadet creativity, using real-world, open ended problems, learning and applying the systems engineering design process, formulating design problem statements, creating alternatives, accounting for feasability criteria, and including realistic constraints such as economic factors, safety, reliability, aesthetics, social and environmental impact. Ethical implications in the design and development of real-world systems requirements and specifications, as well as interactions with decision makers, are addressed. Communication and team-building skills are developed using a group design project requiring both oral presentations and written reports. Because of the correlation between systems engineering design methodology and the military decision-making process, cadets will be able to apply the problem-solving framework learned in this course directly to Army tactical, operational, and strategic planning as well as acquisition, logistic, and a variety of other military problems. (Note: last time offered 021, Class of 2002) |