Model Based System Engineering

Chapter 2System Engineering Principles

2.1 Preliminary Definitions

2.1.1 The Essence of Engineering

The word “engineering” has a long history, starting with the Old French term “engigneor,” which referred to a builder of military machinery. Over time, the definition has evolved to cover a wider range of subjects, including the detailed study of systems in all their aspects (Checkland 1999). In essence, engineering is about understanding and designing systems, using scientific, mathematical, and practical concepts to find solutions that meet societal challenges and needs. The core of engineering is its ability to turn abstract concepts into concrete and useful systems, bridging the gap between ideas and practical applications.

2.1.2 Defining a System

The term “system” comes from the Latin “systema,” meaning a coherent assembly. It evolved into the French term “sistème” in the sixteenth century, describing a set of statements that create a cohesive narrative.

Today, a system is regarded as a set of interacting components organized to reach specific objectives (International Organization for Standardization 2010; ISO 2015). These components can vary widely, including hardware, software, data, people, processes, facilities, materials, and even natural elements. A defining characteristic of a system is the way its components are connected and dependent on each other, working together to create properties and behaviors that cannot be attributed to any single component.