49004 Systems Engineering for Managers
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2016 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In the multidisciplinary process of problem solving in engineering, systems engineering is seen as a unifying discipline. Drawing on contemporary scholarship and best practice, the philosophy, concepts, techniques and tools of the systems engineering process are examined in the context of engineering management, and their domain of applicability explored. The subject provides extensive opportunity for individual and group encounter with the challenges of the systems approach, and is illustrated by case studies presented by guest lecturers.
Subject objectives
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate the significance of systems thinking and concepts to engineering?practice?and management |
|---|---|
| 2. | Explain systems approaches closely identified with the engineering discipline, the issues continually reshaping them under best?practice?imperatives, and their distinctive assumptions |
| 3. | Recognise the problem domains in which the structured goal-oriented decision-making processes of hard (vis-?-vis?soft) systems engineering and life-cycle perspectives are most applicable |
| 4. | Distinguish contrasting ideas and approaches of soft systems engineering in the management of complex organisational issues, and the opportunities in engineering management to merge hard and soft approaches |
| 5. | Benchmark personal experience of systems?practice?and management |
| 6. | Select and apply techniques and tools for dealing with complexity and uncertainty in the creation and/or sustenance of engineering systems |
| 7. | Adapt and apply appropriate methodologies of systems engineering to the challenges of engineering management and their professional circumstances. |
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty course intended learning outcomes and Engineering Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:
- A1. Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs. (A.1)
- A2. Establish priorities and goals (A.2)
- A3. Identify constraints, uncertainties and risk of the system (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.3)
- A4. Apply principles of sustainability to create viable systems (A.4)
- A5. Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour including interactions between components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.5)
- B1. Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1)
- B2. Design components, systems and/ or processes to meet required specification (B.2)
- B3. Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures (B.3)
- B4. Apply decision-making methodologies to evaluate solutions for efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability (B.4)
- B6. Demonstrate research skills (B.6)
- C1. Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation (C.1)
- C2. Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices (C.2)
- D1. Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals (Manage self) (D.1)
- D2. Reflect on personal and professional experiences to engage in independent development beyond formal education for lifelong learning (D.2)
- E1. Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1)
- F1. Be able to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements (F.1)
- F3. Understand cross-cultural issues (regions or workplaces) (F.3)
- F4. Be aware of global perspectives (needs, rules/regulations, and specifications) (F.4)
Teaching and learning strategies
Students have the opportunity to study the subject at their own pace throughtout the semester, guided by the subject outline, the semester program, and the study guide available online. This subject is also available in Autumn and Spring semesters in standard mode. Classes in the Summer Semester, when available, are in Block mode, and the students are expected to study the subject material on their own outside of the lecture blocks.
Content
Topics covered in the subject include system concepts and discipline perspectives; systems thinking; hard and soft systems practice; systems engineering as a structured life cycle process; systems characteristics, including performance, reliability, maintainability, useability, integrated logistics, life cycle cost and effectiveness; requirements management and system architectures; systems engineering techniques used in design and in management; and related system disciplines, including concurrent engineering, software engineering and contemporary systems thinking in business.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Final Exam
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes: A.5, B.1, B.4, C.1, E.1 and F.1 | ||||||||
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| Type: | Examination | ||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||
| Length: | 2 Hours plus 10 minutes reading time. | ||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Assignment 1
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes: A.1, A.3, A.4, A.5, B.3, B.6, C.1, C.2, D.1, E.1, F.3 and F.4 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Your report should not be longer than 5 pages plus any diagrams. Reference list and coversheets are not included in this count. The assignment should have no appendix. | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Assignment 2
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes: A.1, A.2, A.3, A.5, B.1, B.2, B.4, B.6 and C.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | It is expected that your report shall be less than 15 pages, though this will vary depending upon your apporach to the problem and issues. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Class Participation
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes: A.5, B.1, B.6, C.1, C.2, D.1, D.2, E.1 and F.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Type: | Exercises | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Except for questions requiring numerical solutions, you are to restrict your responses to a maximum of 2 pages for each RME. For example, if an RME has multiple parts (a, b, c etc.) then your TOTAL response to the whole RME must fit within the 2 pages limit. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject you must pass the final examination, as well as obtain an overall mark of 50% in the subject. If you obtain a mark >= 50% for the subject, but have failed in the compulsory item, you will be awarded a Fail (X) grade for the subject.
Required texts
Title: Systems Engineering and Analysis
Authors: Benjamin Blanchard and Wolter Fabrycky
Publisher: Pearson Prentice Hall
Edition: 5th
Students may obtain the textbook from the Co-op Bookshop at 3 Broadway, City Campus. The bookshop is open 7 days a week: Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
The Co-op will also mail you the book: order through www.coop-bookshop.com.au phone (02) 9212 3078 or fax (02) 9212 6303. Please have ready your credit card details, your student ID number and Co-op number if you are a member. They will charge you the cost of the book as well as postage by express post.
The Learning Resource Material (LRM)
The LRM contains a number of Readings to supplement the set text, and guidance for your study of the material. The readings serve to amplify points in the text, illustrate a different emphasis or cover material not covered adequately by the text. They are made up of copies of journal papers or portions of key books and are written by acknowledged experts in the field. These readings are important to obtain a rounded understanding of the subject. Students can obtain the readings via the link to the library's e-readings. This link is available within the UTS Online Learning Resource Material folder. You should let the LRM guide your study and reading in this subject. The Study Guide available in the Learning Resource Material folder in UTS Online provides this guidance.
The Lecture Support Notes (LSN)
The lecture support notes are provided as a resource additional to the Text and the LRM, and consist of copies of the overhead slides used in the lectures. They will be available via UTS Online. The LSN should not be used as the main focus of your learning.
References
For a list of useful references please refer to the UTS Online References folder.
Other resources
UTS Administrative Information: www.uts.edu.au/students
Engineering postgraduate information: www.eng.uts.edu.au/ Current_Students/postgraduate
UTS Online: http://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login
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