1. Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering (SE) is about the creation of successful solutions to problems in the form of engineered systems. SE focuses on the design and development of the “total system for the total life-cycle”, hence the bigger picture. Concepts like holism and synergy are fundamental to a systems approach. SE is applicable to any man-made system. Technical systems and business systems are typically addressed. Various topics related to Systems Engineering or Systems/Product Development, e.g. the application of SE in a specific industry.

• Implementing SE and Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in different enterprises, large and small.
• Develop and analyse SE principles and theories from heuristics.
• SE framework, process and tools for sociotechnical systems, complex problems and sustainability.
• Implementation (framework, process and tools) of Information Management, Business Intelligence or Digital Twins in SE.
• Inter-relationship between SE and Project Management with the required guidelines, tools, frameworks, and case studies.
• Application of Artificial Intelligence methods and tools to improve SE processes and activities.
• Application of SE methods and tools to improve Artificial Intelligence system development.
• Developing Leadership in SE.
• Profiling the Systems Engineer (Systemic View) to support curriculum development.
• Implementing problem-solving techniques (e.g.TRIZ) in SE.

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2. Systems Thinking

Systems Thinking helps us deal with complex problems using a “holistic view”. People solve problems in our world as a matter of survival. When we encounter problems, we try to solve them. The world is made up of systems. Systems Thinking tries to examine the entity as a whole to understand its behaviour. This is done by looking at the purpose of the system, its elements and roles, feedback, relationships among elements and boundaries of the system. Systems Thinking offers a valuable framework for addressing complex problems by providing insights into the interconnected nature of systems, identifying root causes, and facilitating the development of effective, sustainable solutions.

This approach helps individuals and organisations better understand the underlying dynamics and drivers of those problems. Formalising the idea of systems and hence Systems Thinking allows us to organise our reality (be it in engineering, business or anything else) and importantly, understand the meaning and nature of links between elements making up a system.

A prominent approach to Systems Thinking is System Dynamics as applied in the engineering system, business enterprise and technology management domain. It enables various areas of the organisation to model and address socio-technical problems in these types of organisational systems.

• Analysing and improving Systems Thinking tools and methodologies.
• Analysing the complexity of a problem/system to inform the Systems Thinking methodology/process to implement.
• Developing a System Dynamics model using a literature and grounded theory.
• Applying Systems Thinking to solve wicked and messy complex societal problems.
• Modelling and assessing energy and other natural resources technology sustainability in developing sociotechnical contexts.
• Risk management dynamics and decision-making in supply chain planning and product development (including Theory of Constraints).
• Project dynamics and other similar complex business and technology systems.
• Dynamics of technology management and entrepreneurship.
• A framework to implement Systems Thinking for resilience in digital transformation.
• Implementing Machine learning tools to support Systems Thinking (System Dynamics) Modelling.
• Psychology of modelling systems solutions and problems: Capturing stakeholder mental models to structure the problem.

Technology is often seen as the engine of economic growth. Michael Porter confirms this in his statement:

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