Systems Engineering Design

Systems Engineering Design (SED) is a powerful design approach to get from a semi-unstructured multi-stakeholder set of vague and messy goals and needs to a well-defined set of requirements and complementary socio-technical systems. In this course a best fit for common purpose design methodology to design for complex interconnected systems using multi-objective optimization techniques. Within this approach both the subject preference function model (human) and the physical object behavior model (engineering asset) will be integrated. In other words, to design socio-technical systems one needs a sound and integrative mathematical approach (open glass box modelling) to support participatory decision making on new engineering artefacts (open source participation and open ended system theory).

It will be demonstrated that this best fit for common purpose design methodology also can be used for Project management and/ or Operations management planning applications.

The alternative view within this course is to combine multi-objective (non-)linear systems optimization and the theory preference function modeling in a constructivist design methodology, using mathematical simulation and modelling. This Open Design Systems approach is distinctive from pure engineering optimization methods. Within this approach the main concepts of systems design for tY-s, decision and development are linked with a self chosen System of Interest (SoI):

1. Systems theory and thinking and design as problem (dis)solving;

2. Hard engineering asset systems (technical-physical) vs. soft human management

systems (social);

3. A posteriori multi-actor design decision systems;

4. A priori multi-actor design decision systems;

5. Non-linearity in mathematical models for design/decision systems;

6. Best fit for common purpose.

For more course info see : https://www.open-design.school/

This course has a constructivist character, in which the student is guided and encouraged to develop open design knowledge en solutions (‘openings’) using the self-chosen System of Interest (SoI) as a connective and practicing vehicle enabling the Open Design Learning (ODL) response.

The SoI can a transportation-, water management-, energy infrastructure and/or a real-estate system.

The deliverable of this course is the so-called Open Design learning response. This ODL response is a group deliverable based on the self-chosen SoI (one group delivers one ODL response).

The Open Design Learning (ODL) response is an original enabler demonstrating both the group and personal learning and development achievements. The ODL must contain a clear justification of the individual contributions of each group member. Each group member must also write an individual Comment in which he/she writes a collegial review of at least 1 concept of the ODL response for which he/she was not responsible. Good collegial Comments make use of specific ODL Commendation aspects (see next section).

All of these (incl. the open glass box model) should be presented in a self-chosen format such as report/ elaborative presentation/ digital audio or video files/ animation/ website. The ODL response illustrates how the general concepts have been linked and evaluated to the self-chosen SPoI using a: 1) logical review and/or diagramming 2) computer model(s).

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The Open Design Learning commendation principle will be applied as a grading rubric for the ODL response. Both the SPoI content characteristics, and the student's learning process are integrated within these commendation principles.

We call it 'commendation' because when we grade your response, we start from a grade of 10 and only deduct points if aspects are missing/only partially worked out.

There are 5 commendation categories: Connect/ Construct /Conclude enConspect /Convey /Convince

After handing in the ODL response your will receive your grade using the ODL commendation principle. To pass the course your ODL grade should be higher than or equal to 6. After commending your ODL response one plenary open dialogue session (max. 3 hours, somewhere between week 12 and 14 to be announced) with one of the constructors will be scheduled. Only during this session(s) we can reflect on your ODL response: bear in mind, the outcome of this reflection can result in a lower/equal/higher grade.

For more information on grading, see article 14 in the Rules and Guidelines (RGBE): https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/faculties/ceg-student-portal/education/education-information/educational-rules-and-regulations/

Permitted Materials during Exam

N/A