Holistic systems engineering: physical, informational, and cognitive domains

Military commanders require accurate, time-driven information that is instantly integrated and processed. Information sources can be physical, informational, and cognitive, and include: sensors, shooters, machines, and humans. The authors of this qualitative descriptive study reviewed a sample of open literature which discusses systems engineering and studied the inadequacies that exist in holistic, or integrated, systems engineering. This literature indicates many systems are poorly integrated, stand-alone, single-unit entities. Problems are exacerbated when an attempt is made to integrate multiple systems and/or subsystems. Consequently, from a systems engineering design philosophy perspective, systems should be developed with respect to physical, informational, and cognitive domains. The holistic perspective should include all three domains whether technology is classified as microscopic (small scale-component-subsystems) or macroscopic (large scale-system of systems). The authors conclude a paradigm shift might lead the way to more successful development of systems and technologies which link subsystems, functions, and attributes in one timeline.

Introduction

This paper addresses both traditional and nontraditional viewpoints of systems engineering (SE). It reviews professional, societal, and academic definitions for SE. Functional, physical, and implementation architectures will be discussed, and holistic thinking in the realm of SE is explored.