Systems engineering: the application of processes and tool in the development of complex information technology solutions

Abstract

The paper examines the procedures, tool, and standards which comprise the field of systems engineering. The design, development, and implementation of integrated information and telecommunication solutions is a complex and extensive process requiring the involvement of numerous subject matter experts throughout all phases of the process. These experts represent a variety of disciplines, including software engineering, configuration management, network architecture, facility design, operations, procurement, software design, development, and coding, and database management. The discipline of systems engineering provides a systematic approach for applying procedures, tools, and standards to an information-oriented problem for the purpose of defining, designing, managing, and implementing an effective integrated information technology solution. The paper identifies the major phases of the system engineering process and it highlights the tools which enable large disparate organizations to work effectively in the design, development and implementation of complex integrated information and telecommunication solutions.