Basic SE Terminology

Question 1

“System” Definition

Answer 1

“Collection of components, subsystems, or assemblies arranged to a specific design in order to achieve desired functions with acceptable perfromance and reliability”

Question 2

Why the Definition of “system” is so important

Answer 2

[notes on the disagreement between systems engineers]

How can systems engineers build systems if they do not know

Question 3

Unprecedented Systems

Answer 3

Systems that represent innovations and radical new designs that depart from traditional designs

AI is NOT equipped to come up with these

Examples:
- The Wright Flyer
- Edison’s Lightbulb
- Bell’s Telephone
- Goddard’s LRE

*The distinction between “precedented” &
“unprecedented” is a matter of degree.

Question 4

Precedented Systems

Answer 4

Systems for which earlier versions exist and provide the basis for upgrades such as technology and performance improvements

AI is not equipped to come up with these

Examples:
- F14
- Flourecent Lightbulb or LED Lightbulbs
- The iPhone
- The F1 engine

*The distinction between “precedented” &
“unprecedented” is a matter of degree.

Question 5

“Performing to Plan”

Answer 5

“Performing to plan” means that a project, process, or team is progressing as anticipated according to a pre-established plan, schedule, or set of objectives. It indicates that work is being completed on time, within budget, and according to the specified quality or performance standards laid out in the project or operational plan.

“Performing to plan” is a critical indicator of a project or team’s health, showing that progress is controlled and predictable. It provides stakeholders with confidence that objectives will be met, minimizes last-minute surprises, and typically indicates that project management practices like regular monitoring and corrective actions are in place. This alignment also helps to avoid resource wastage and ensures the project stays aligned with organizational or strategic goals.

Question 6

Configuration management

Answer 6

Managing changes to system design, and maintaining records of the current configuration

Question 7

Configuration

Answer 7

The relative arrangement, location or disposition of a subsystem or component within the system.
Configuration refers to
both functional and physical items.

Question 8

Configuration management

Answer 8

Managing changes to system design, and maintaining records of the current configuration