Reference no: EM133344574

Introduction To Systems Engineering

Part A

Instruction:
Provide a response to each of the questions below. Each of your answers should be at least one page long- single spaced pages, using 12 point font. However, taken together your responses should not exceed 20 pages. In answering the questions, you need to demonstrate that you have mastered the pertinent material presented in the course.

Question 1:
For a gasoline-powered passenger automobile, consider the following subsystems: Drive Train, Frame and Body, and Electrical System. For each of these, group together their major components using the principles of significance (performs an important function), singularity (largely falls within a simple discipline), and commonality (found in a variety of system types).

Question 2:
The space shuttle is an example of an extremely complicated system using leading edge technology. Give three examples of shuttle components that you think represented unproven technology at the time of its development, and which much have required extensive prototyping and testing to reduce operational risks to an acceptable level.

Question 3:
State the functions that a household automatic dishwasher performs during its operation cycle. For each function, indicate the primary medium (signals, data, material, or energy) involved. Describe the physical elements involved in the implementation of each of the above functions.

Question 4:
There are number of risk mitigation methods for dealing with program risks. Discuss, in general, how you would use risk mitigation methods to reduce risk criticality from High to Medium.

Question 5:
What is meant by "measures of effectiveness"? For the effectiveness analysis of a sport utility vehicle (SUV), list what you think would be the eight most important characteristics that should be exercised and measured in the analysis.

Question 6:
What role does exploratory research and development conducted prior to the establishment of a formal system acquisition program play in advancing the objective of a system acquisition program? What are the main differences between the organization and funding of R&D programs and system development programs? (This question requires you to stretch you insights, since the textbook does not give a template answer. To answer this question effectively, reflect on the following questions: What are key characteristics of R&D that have management impacts? What do we mean by exploratory R&D, and where does it fit in the overall system development process? How does managing an R&D effort differ from managing a traditional engineering system development project, e.g., designing and building a new house?

Question 7:
Both the concept exploration and concept definition phases analyze several alternative system concepts. Explain the principal differences in the objectives of this process in the two phases and in the manner in which the analysis is performed.

Part B

Question 8:
Why do so many new complex system developments incur large risks by choosing to apply immature technology? Give an example of where and how such choices paid off and one where they did not.

Question 9:
The personal laptop computer is a product that has proven to be highly reliable in spite of the fact that it has many interfaces, is operated by a variety of people, operates nearly continuously, and includes a number of internal moving parts (e.g., CD/DVD drive, hard drive). It is a portable device that operates in a wide range of environments (temperature, shock, vibration, etc.). List six design features or characteristics that contribute to the laptop reliability. For each item in your list, estimate the contributions this item has on the overall computer cost. A ranking of high, medium, and low is sufficient.

Question 10:
Test failures can be caused by many factors. Describe three factors, how they can occur, and what steps you would take before, during, and after the test to be able to quickly diagnose the actual cause of the failure.
Provide specific examples to support your points - no vague generalizations, please.

Question 11:
Because complex systems contain a large number of subsystems, components, and parts, it is usually necessary to obtain a significant number of them from outside subcontractors and vendors. In many cases, it is possible to make these items either in-house or procure them elsewhere. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Discuss the main criteria that are involved in deciding which approach is best in a given case.
Provide specific examples to buttress your points.

Question 12:
An effective logistic support system is an essential part of successful system operational performance. While the support system is "outside" of the delivered system, discuss why the systems engineer should be involved in the design and definition of the support system. Discuss the functions of some of the characteristics that must be considered, such as the supply chain, spare parts, replaceable part level, training and documentation.