Practice-based systems engineering programme

Abstract

South Africa, and indeed internationally, has been experiencing a shortage of systems engineers. On the other hand we seem to have only introductory systems engineering courses at local universities. Systems engineers have developed by means of experience on the job. This is a long route fraught with many challenges. We look to develop a strategic solution to the problem in this paper. We start by considering a number of reasons why systems engineering is difficult to learn. A framework for defining the required system engineering competencies is introduced. A practice-based approach is presented as part of the solution, including the roles of universities, students and industry within this approach. Finally we elaborate on a proposed curriculum for a practice based SE educational programme. The shortage of systems engineers requires strategic action. In order to accelerate the development of high competency systems engineers we will need to adopt new (old) approaches. What is being proposed will require considerable effort, but is expected to yield good results and will contribute to developing the next generation of systems engineers.