ABSTRACT

This chapter presents 12 suggestions that are likely to advance the cause of systems engineers, and assist in forward movement. The topics covered are (1) embracing the “systems approach, (2) practicing systems thinking, (3) considering the use of hybrid thinking, (4) questioning conventional wisdom, (5) problemsolving on the “back of an envelope,” (6) greater use of visualization, (7) removing constraints, (8) architecting systems using the Eisner’s Architecting Method (EAM) approach, (9) avoiding groupthink, (10) embracing Rechtin’s heuristics, (11) limited integration of “stovepipes,” (12) special care with functional decompositions, (13) design in the low cost and best value domains, (14) use of analysis of alternativesconcepts, (15) enhance measurements through systems thinking, (16) broaden use of “cost-effectiveness” analysis, and (17) design to facilitate integration.