ABSTRACT

Systems engineering is a discipline for organising problems and finding better solutions. The approach is ancient and practical in its origins, and has become more formal in the last century. Systems engineering usually involves assembling solutions that consist of diverse components to work effectively together, drawing from mechanics, science, and social science to better achieve explicit objectives. Because few problems can be solved by one person, many systems we engineer require the cooperation and involvement of thousands or millions of people, making social and political aspects central. This paper summarises some thoughts on formal and professional education for systems engineering and its application, including some historical successes and challenges for water and environmental problems. Perhaps the most single important aspect of applied system engineering is to organise the problem in a way that helps it to be more productively discussed and better solved.

摘要

系统工程是组织问题和寻找更好解决方案的学科。这种方法的起源是古老且实用的，并且在上个世纪已变得更加正式。系统工程通常涉及组装解决方案，该解决方案由不同的组件组成，以有效地协同工作，可以借鉴力学，科学和社会科学的知识，以更好地实现明确的目标。因为只有一个人可以解决很少的问题，所以我们设计的许多系统都需要成千上万的人的参与和参与，从而使社会和政治方面成为中心。本文总结了有关系统工程及其应用的正规和专业教育的一些想法，包括水和环境问题的一些历史性成就和挑战。