Table of Contents

Foreword.

Preface.

Part I: Systems: Advances in Systems Science and Thinking.

1. Systems Philosophy.

2. Advances in Systems Science.

3. Advances in Systems Thinking.

4. Systems Engineering Philosophy.

5. System Models.

Case A. Japanese Lean Volume Supply Systems.

Part II: Systems Methodology.

6. Overview of the Systems Methodology.

7. SM1: Addressing Complex Issues and Problems.

Case B. The Practice Intervention.

8. SM2: Exploring the Solution Space.

9. SM3 and 4: Focusing Solution System Purpose.

Case C: The Total Weapon System Concept.

10. SM5: Architecting/Designing System Solutions.

11. SM6: Optimize Solution System Design.

12. SM7: Create and Prove Solution System (SOS).

13. The Systems Methodology - Elaborated.

14. Setting the Systems Methodology to Work.

Case D: Architecting a Defense Capability.

Part III: Systems Methodology and Systems Engineering.

15. Systems Engineering - The Real Deal.

16. Systems Creation: Hand of Purpose, Root of Emergence.

Case E: The police Command and Control System.

Case F: Fighter Avionics System Design.

17. SOS Engineering Principles and Practices.

Case G. Defense Procurement in the 21st Century.

18. Systems Engineering: Intelligent Systems.

Case H: Global Warming, Climate Change and Energy.

References.

Index.

About the Author

Derek Hitchins retired from full time academic work in 1994, and is now a part-time consultant, teacher, visiting professor and international lecturer in the field of systems engineering. Previous to this, he held the British Aerospace Chairs in Systems Science and in Command and Control at Cranfield University. He has also held the position of Chair in Engineering Management at City University, London. His current research interests are in systems thinking, system requirements, social psychology & anthropology, Egyptology, command & control, system design and world-class systems engineering. He has had a wealth of experience, both in industry and in academia, having been (among a number of other posts) an Avionics System Design Manager for Tornado F2, Systems Architect for NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS) and Advanced Identification System, and Consultant Architect for the UK county police service command & control information system (CCIS). He has authored two books: Putting Systems to Work (Wiley, 1992) and Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering and Management (Artech House, 2003), and has lectured extensively over a 15 year period at undergraduate and MSc level in engineering management, systems science, systems thinking and systems engineering.

Reviews

"This book is recommended for administrative and technical staff in industry and government agencies and for graduate students in engineering programs. It would be a good addition to academic, corporate and governmental library collections." (E-Streams, December 2008)