What Is Wrong With Systems Engineering?

Everywhere you turn you hear that we all need to be better systems engineers, even though systems engineering is not without its shortcomings. Today Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome returning podcast guest Patrick Hillberg for a discussion about the shortcomings and solutions of system engineering. Because if systems engineering causes dysfunction, what is the solution? 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

Why is systems engineering a potential pitfall?

• Patrick argues that decomposition creates systems dysfunction.
• Decomposition is the breaking down of the entire product to focus on individual groups.
• Mechanical, electrical, and software all have to work together as well as individually.
• Craig proposes that systems engineering may be a skill rather than a discipline.

What can the individual do to solve team dysfunction?

• If dysfunction is the problem, there must be a solution.
• Individuals can move to remove performance management programs.
• Diversity in teams with a variety of skills have an advantage over others.
• The history of the decomposition approach reveals some of its shortcomings.

Teams and decomposition compatibility 

• Digital exhaust addresses who is talking to who.
• Limited communication results in limited innovation.
• A team that frequently talks to each other but rarely talks outside of the team is going to be a very efficient team, but not a very innovative team.

Is our history useful for the future?

• Patrick argues that the past century has not prepared us well for the next decade.
• External costs have never been a key consideration, resulting in limited future accessibility.
• A lack of accountability and ignoring repercussions has created major problems for the future.
• It’s possible that the Industrial Revolution was never truly sustainable.
• External costs are absolutely coming due, possibly even this decade.

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

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