Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods to Manage Complex Systems is a four-course online program that explores the newest practices in systems engineering, including how models can enhance systems engineering and how systems engineering tasks can be augmented with quantitative analysis. Through this program, you will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the key aspects of systems engineering and become able to articulate the benefits and challenges of Model-Based Systems Engineering for specific applications.
The program is well-suited for engineers and other professionals in the aerospace, automotive, defense, consumer appliances, manufacturing, and related industries; as well as systems engineering professionals, directors, or senior managers looking to innovate and optimize their operational, manufacturing, and design systems.
Course 1, Architecture of Complex Systems, is a five-week online course that will teach you to discover methods and techniques for scaling up small-team thinking and individual problem-solving to manage larger complex systems.
This course teaches learners to think differently about systems engineering by understanding architectural decision-making, the role of the architect, and the phenomena of change propagation. While making good architectural decisions is difficult—given the uncertainties inherent in complex systems—it is possible. Systems architecture is the “DNA” that provides the basis for good decision-making, and competitive advantage.
Course 2, Models In Engineering, is a four-week online course that will teach you how to select appropriate approaches to modeling, evaluate models, and use models to make better engineering decisions in your projects.
This course teaches learners to navigate the unique flaws inherent in every model. The correct choice of model demands careful consideration and evaluation of environment and context, as well as understanding verification and validation requirements. Models allow us to forecast the behavior of complex systems before they are built and tested, providing stakeholders answers to the questions necessary to move projects forward.
Course 3, Model-Based Systems Engineering: Documentation and Analysis, is a four-week online course that will provide you with a framework for connecting disciplines and managing models for complex systems.
This course teaches both how to evaluate the suitability of a model-based systems engineering approach for specific projects and how to manage MBSE models, including determining ownership, control access, and lifecycle. Learners will be introduced to the basic tenets of model-based systems engineering, practice developing MBSE approaches using a medium-high complexity system of their choosing, and explore whether MBSE offers promises or limitations in the evolution of systems engineering within their industry.
Course 4, Quantitative Methods in Systems Engineering, is a four-week online course that will provide you with quantitative tools and techniques to explore the analysis, design, and decision-making process of developing complex systems.
The course reinforces the use of quantitative tools to analyze model-based systems architecture and teaches how to quantitatively explore design spaces to produce a series of designs based on common architecture. You will learn to explore and evaluate design alternatives to choose the best possible architecture for your systems.
The Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods to Manage Complex Systems program will provide you with the skills to understand and analyze complex systems and to successfully manage models. You will frame systems architecture as a series of decisions, which can be actively sorted, managed, and optimized to suit your organization’s needs.
For more information, please consider watching one of our past webinars, Inside the MIT xPRO Architecture and Systems Engineering Online Certificate Program, from March 2021.