Lecture 3. Understanding Systems Engineering and Life Cycles

In this lecture, we explore the concept of systems engineering and its application across various stages of a system's life cycle, illustrated with practical examples. We begin by comparing the evolution of bicycles—from early simple designs to modern iterations with added complexity, such as gears, adjustable seats, and even electric motors. This comparison highlights how user demands for higher functionality, performance, and reliability drive system complexity over time.

We also introduce the idea of thinking about systems in broader contexts, such as designing a garbage bin with automatic sorting capabilities. This example demonstrates how the three key stages of a system's life cycle—Concept Development, Design Development, and Post-Service—can be applied to conceptualize, develop, and maintain such innovative systems.

Additionally, we review the Department of Defense (DoD) system life cycle model and other frameworks commonly used in systems engineering. These models guide the stepwise evolution of systems, from initial concepts through development, testing, production, and ongoing operation. We discuss how emergence—whether functional, performance-related, or unexpected emergencies—plays a critical role in system design and execution.

This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering principles, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications to enhance understanding of complex systems and their life cycles.
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Dr. Ahmad
PhD, PEng, Professor of Mechanical Engineering