Systems Engineering: A Paradigm Shift Analysis

The AI team takes a deep dive into research that began with the question, “Why do systems engineering textbooks cover such different material while claiming to represent the same discipline?”. The research investigates the evolution of systems engineering over seven decades, hypothesizing a paradigm shift rather than mere topical variation in literature. Utilizing AI-assisted analysis of textbooks from 1950 to 2023, the study identifies three evolutionary phases: an initial engineering science dominance, a subsequent transition period, and a current fragmentation characterized by the predominance of administrative approaches. The paper argues that this shift, from emphasizing analytical problem-solving to focusing on process coordination, has significant implications for education and practice, potentially explaining inconsistencies and challenges in the field. It also highlights how Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and INCOSE certifications may reinforce the administrative paradigm, calling for further systematic validation of these preliminary findings.

The preliminary analysis suggests a fundamental transformation in systems engineering. While the findings require validation through more rigorous research, they offer a framework for understanding disciplinary fragmentation. The paper advocates for "thoughtful integration that preserves the problem-solving capabilities necessary for breakthrough innovation as core professional competence, while maintaining the organizational coordination benefits of formal administrative process frameworks as supporting professional capabilities." This "systematic integration of both paradigms" is seen as the "greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity for the future of systems engineering education and practice."