The design and management of complex engineering projects requires a combination of different disciplines to facilitate their implementation. System engineering is a very fundamental branch of engineering that is essential in project management.
It is not an easy thing to coordinate teams and logistics in complex projects without adopting system engineering concepts. The work processes in a particular project are normally carried out using system engineering concepts.
System engineering is very useful in risk management and project optimization (Blanchard, 2011). System integration is among the most notable aspects of system engineering.
This essay will discuss the different aspects of system engineering and the positive role it has in the military. The success of many military projects and systems depends on the adoption of system engineering concepts.
It is important to first of all understand the meaning of system engineering as an engineering discipline before highlighting the positive role it plays in the military. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether system engineering is a discipline or an approach (Blanchard, 2011).
Recent opinions suggest that system engineering is a combination of a discipline and an approach. The system engineering approach is normally made formal through education, but the discipline keeps on changing through the discovery of new methods.
Engineering fields are associated with research and identification of new opportunities which is also part of system engineering (Sage, 2011). The interdisciplinary nature of system engineering is what makes many people to have problems in understanding the discipline.
System engineering is very holistic in the sense that it covers many aspects of project and system management. Engineering systems and projects and are in most cases very complex and therefore system engineers come up with new models and methods to address the complexities in engineering systems and projects (Sage, 2011).
System engineering deals with various aspects of the traditional engineering scope which include the development of new physical systems through design and production (Sage, 2011).
Functional physical systems in engineering are very complex and therefore system engineering comes up with new concepts and methodologies that are very vital when it comes to understanding complex systems.
System engineering comes up with the necessary organizational structures that are used in the design and execution of engineering projects and systems (Sage, 2011).
The system engineering discipline has been evolving with time and this is the reason why it has a broader scope when it comes to its application in solving engineering problems.
System engineering deals with the design and validation of processes and systems (Sage, 2011). It is important to note that system engineering deals with both technical and management processes in an engineering project or system. System engineering concepts and models are very useful in all project stages.
The life cycle of a project has got different stages that require constant evaluation and analysis. System engineering borrows a lot of ideas from other engineering disciplines and this is the reason for its interdisciplinary nature (Stevens, 1998).
The holistic nature of system engineering is normally reflected in its educational curriculum. Engineering projects and systems involve many technical contributors that are normally unified by system engineering.
The process of developing systems can only take place in a structured manner if system engineering concepts are used. The complexities in engineering systems and projects can only be understood and managed using system engineering tools and concepts (Stevens, 1998).
Systems reliability is one of the major priorities in engineering. The most important system engineering tools include system models, system architecture, optimization tools and decision making tools (Stevens, 1998).
System engineering facilitates the interaction of different engineering disciplines to come up with reliable physical systems. Every system is normally guided by common rules that are improved by system engineering.
System engineering plays a very positive role in the military because it has several applications in military communication and defense systems. System engineering was very instrumental in the design and development of the Defense Satellite Communications System (Jamshidi, 2010).
Defense information systems are created using system engineering concepts and tools. Communication systems are supposed to guarantee information privacy and system engineering has been instrumental in achieving this objective.
Modern military communication is very complex in the sense that the computing and telecommunication tools used are sophisticated (Jamshidi, 2010). This complexity is normally addressed by appropriate system engineering tools and models.
High-tech systems in military communication can only be understood using various models and concepts designed by system engineers. Military communication systems can be improved using system engineering concepts for them to operate in hostile climates.
It is important to note that some of the communication systems in the military are not related to combat actions (Sage, 2011). The functionality of military communication equipment is normally facilitated by the interdisciplinary nature of system engineering.
Radio technology and wireless communications are among the different forms of signaling that are designed and facilitated by system engineering (Sage, 2011).
The technical components of a military system are designed and maintained by system engineers (Blanchard, 2011). Modern military systems are very sophisticated and complex which makes it necessary to look for the services of system engineers in dealing with logistical and operational challenges.
Military defense programs and information technology systems are some of the aspects of a military system that can not operate effectively without the adoption of system engineering concepts.
System engineering plays a critical in integrating all the information technology systems to enhance coordination and effective communication among military officers. System engineers ensure that the IT infrastructure works according to plan (Blanchard, 2011).
System engineers upgrade and maintain new technologies within the military system. System engineers use their management skills to make critical technological decisions that fall within their scope.
Military projects are supposed to be carried out by individuals with some experience in system analysis and only system engineers have the ability to offer that (Sage, 2011).
The need to integrate defense systems has made it necessary for the military to enlist the services of system engineers (Jamshidi, 2010). System engineering is a discipline that encourages research on various ways of integrating systems.
System integration is the most important aspect of military systems that is normally facilitated by system engineering models. System engineering can facilitate present and future integration of military systems.
The military intelligence system is supposed to harness information from information generators and this can only become possible through system engineering (Jamshidi, 2010). Military intelligence systems receive information from sensors that operate with the help system engineering concepts.
System engineering ensures connectivity of different information systems. System engineers play a critical role in the design and development of information and communication interfaces (Sage, 2011).
The radar systems used in the military are controlled and maintained by system engineers (Stevens, 1998). System engineers are supposed to identify all the problems in a military system and come up with solutions.
The functions of a military system are controlled by system engineers who ensure that all the necessary changes are implemented in time. Military systems are supposed to be well secured and therefore system engineering plays a very critical role in minimizing potential risks by enhancing system reliability.
System engineering prevents duplication of effort and in the process reducing the cost of running a system (Stevens, 1998). The efficiency and reliability of military systems are very important in ensuring that a country is well secured.
The sensitivity of defense matters calls for maximum utilization of system engineering concepts and models. Extensive communication and coordination can only happen if system engineers design integrated interfaces.
Modern military weapons are automated which means that system engineers are supposed to ensure that the weapons are launched without any problems (Stevens, 1998). System engineers put control measures in place to ensure that all automated systems work according to plan.
System engineers run all military systems and ensure that they function according their design (Sage, 2011). Military systems are supposed to produce the desired output and therefore system engineers use optimization methods to ensure that the systems work according to plan.
The technical performance of a military system is assessed and evaluated by system engineers. System evaluation facilitates the control and improvement of military. Military systems are normally evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that all the problems within the system are solved in time (Sage, 2011).
It is difficult to control a system if you can not measure it. The disposal and replacement of all military systems is done by system engineers to avoid mistakes. System engineers come up with alternative system designs to ensure that all the military activities continue without any interruptions.
System engineers conduct a functional analysis of new military systems to ensure that the systems operate at an optimum level. Projects and systems can only go through an entire life cycle under the guidance of a system engineer (Jamshidi, 2010).
System engineers play a critical role in the management of military logistics. The interdisciplinary nature of system engineering makes system engineers to be very useful in the battlefield. System engineers can help in the coordination of combat activities.
In conclusion, it is evident from this discussion that system engineering plays a very important role in the military. System engineering is very useful in risk management and project optimization (Sage, 2011).
High-tech systems in military communication can only be understood using various models and concepts designed by system engineers.
The military defense programs and information technology systems are some of the aspects of the entire military system that can not operate effectively without the adoption of system engineering concepts. The efficiency and reliability of military systems are very important in ensuring that a country is well secured.
System integration is the most important aspect of military systems that is normally facilitated by system engineering models (Blanchard, 2011). System engineers play a very positive role in the coordination of military systems and combat activities.
References
Blanchard, B. (2011). Systems engineering and analysis. London: Prentice Hall.
Jamshidi, M. (2010). Systems of systems engineering: Principles and applications. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.
Sage, A. (2011). Handbook of systems engineering and management. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Stevens, R. (1998). Systems engineering: Coping with complexity. London: Pearson Higher Education.