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Enabling systems thinking to accelerate the development of senior systems engineers

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  • Heidi L. Davidz
  • Deborah J. Nightingale

Abstract

As systems become more complex, the roles involved in developing and managing such systems also become more complex. Thus, there is increasing interest in educating and training engineering professionals to think more systemically. In particular, there is an increasing need to accelerate the development of senior systems engineers. As new educational degree programs in systems rapidly emerge and as companies scurry to establish systems training programs to meet this need, fundamental questions still remain about how systems thinking develops in engineers. Increased understanding of the mechanisms that develop systems thinking will enable effective and efficient development of senior systems professionals. After reviewing related literature, an exploratory and inductive study was designed to gather data on enablers, barriers, and precursors to systems thinking development in engineers. In a field study conducted primarily in the United States aerospace sector, 205 interviews were conducted in 10 host companies. Senior systems engineers were studied to better understand how they developed systems thinking, and information was collected on company procedures for developing systems engineers. Using interview and survey data, comparisons were made of two control groups and senior systems engineers. Proven stellar systems thinkers were also interviewed. To summarize the results, even though systems thinking definitions diverge, there is consensus on primary mechanisms that enable or obstruct systems thinking development in engineers. In order to reconcile the divergent definitions observed, a systems thinking framework and definition are given. The data show that the primary mechanisms that enable systems thinking development include experiential learning, specific individual characteristics, and a supporting environment. This document defines the research space on this topic and suggests applications for the results. Better understanding of systems thinking development provides a foundation for educational interventions and employee development in systems thinking for engineering professionals across industry, government, and academia. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi L. Davidz & Deborah J. Nightingale, 2008. "Enabling systems thinking to accelerate the development of senior systems engineers," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:11:y:2008:i:1:p:1-14
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.20081
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moti Frank, 2000. "Engineering systems thinking and systems thinking," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 3(3), pages 163-168.
    2. Barry Richmond, 1993. "Systems thinking: Critical thinking skills for the 1990s and beyond," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 9(2), pages 113-133, June.
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    1. Moti Frank, 2010. "Assessing the interest for systems engineering positions and other engineering positions' required capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST)," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(2), pages 161-174, June.
    2. Fernando Ramos-Quintana & Héctor Sotelo-Nava & Hugo Saldarriaga-Noreña & Efraín Tovar-Sánchez, 2019. "Assessing the Environmental Quality Resulting from Damages to Human-Nature Interactions Caused by Population Increase: A Systems Thinking Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-29, April.
    3. Clement Smartt & Susan Ferreira, 2012. "Constructing a general framework for systems engineering strategy," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(2), pages 140-152, June.
    4. Shukla Divya, 2018. "Modeling systems thinking in action among higher education leaders with fuzzy multi-criteria decision making," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 13(2), pages 946-965, June.
    5. Sheu‐Wen Chuang & Chung‐Yu Pan & Chin‐Yin Huang, 2009. "A system‐oriented analysis model to enhance patient safety in healthcare organizations," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 12(3), pages 218-232, September.

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