Systems Engineering MSc

Cranfield University

As a foundation for the degree, an introduction into systems science, systems philosophy and systems thinking in specific relation to engineered systems. The module will provide the theoretical basis for the remainder of the degree.

Prepare students to assess and critique the SE activities associated with the Design and Realisation phases of the life-cycle of an existing system and to propose modification to existing methods and the development of appropriate system design and realisation methods for new projects.

Prepare students to undertake SE activates associated with the Concept Definition and System Definition elements of a Model Base SE approach. Going from Enterprise needs to a logical solution options, Including consideration of dependability and through life plans.

The aim of this module is to allow students to explore the problem space using a pluralistic SE problem-exploration approach, modelling the nature of the problem and allowing an initial logical architecture and requirements to be created and reviewed. This will draw on methods, tools and techniques studied during ISSE and PASD

Successful integration and practice of systems engineering within a business environment requires a wider knowledge and understanding of the strategic management and business processes of the organisation and wider enterprise. Spanning a wide range of individual disciplines, enterprise management is used to ensure that all business activity is planned, managed and delivered to achieve strategic aims, objectives and goals.

The interdisciplinary nature and wide-ranging applicability of systems engineering means there are inevitable touch points and integration requirements to ensure the enterprise can continue to deliver and meet its overarching goals and requirements.

This module critically examines the relevance of underpinning theories and practice across the enterprise management domain from a systems engineering perspective. Taking a capability- and effects-based context, it aims to provide the systems engineer with extended knowledge of the wider business environment within which the systems lifecycle sits, and how systems engineering application itself requires systems thinking and practice to successfully integrate it within wider business and management processes and approaches

The aim of this workshop is to consolidate the material in the taught phase of the Systems Engineering for Defence Capability, providing an opportunity to assess the student’s ability to apply this knowledge to a realistic real-world systems problem.

This module provides a multi-perspective, multi-methodological approach to research as the basis for the range of research questions that may be addressed in the student's thesis and also in investigations in future professional work.

This module supports both these needs through challenging the student to think about research tasks and methods suitable for achieving the goal of obtaining actionable knowledge about a variety of research topics.

To conduct a self-directed piece of research applying the principles, practices and processes developed in the course to a real world problem of interest and relevance to the student.