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Systems Engineering
Foundations

Shoring Up the Theoretical Foundation

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Systems engineering practice is only weakly connected to the underlying theoretical foundation,
and educational programs focus on practice with little emphasis on underlying theory.

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The theoretical foundation of systems engineering encompasses not only mathematics, physical sci-
ences, and systems science, but also human and social sciences. This foundational theory is taught as a
normal part of systems engineering curricula, and it directly supports systems engineering methods and
standards. Understanding the foundation enables the systems engineer to evaluate and select from an
expanded and robust toolkit, the right tool for the job.

The theoretical foundation will provide a scientific and of the environment in which it operates.
basis for improved methods that must be both The foundations will encompass the mathematics
rigorous and pragmatic. It must allow for effec- of probability theory, decision theory and game
tive adaptation of systems engineering prac- theory to ensure methods that lead to the selec-
tices to ever increasing system complexity, to a tion of a system design that maximizes value under
broad range of application domains, and to new uncertainty. In addition, social, organizational and
enabling technologies. The theoretical founda- psychological sciences will support the develop-
tion will build on systems science to expand our ment of systems engineering methods and tools
understanding of the system under development that are in tune with human nature.

Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge

Systems engineering knowledge and practices common foundation, knowledge and practices
will be grounded in a more rigorous foundation will be defined and codified in domain-specific
of mathematics and science. Building on this guidance and standards.

40 • The Future State Copyright 2014 International Council on Systems Engineering