Overview
This comprehensive course equips participants with the critical skills needed to excel in systems
engineering, particularly in the development of complex products. The course takes a holistic, top-down approach to problem-solving and introduces participants to the core methodologies used in systems engineering. Through the integration of a Product Management module, participants will also gain essential insights into how systems engineering and product management complement each other in the product development lifecycle.
Participants will learn to apply systems thinking, manage product life cycles, define system boundaries,
and elicit stakeholder requirements. They’ll develop and manage system architectures using tools like
SysML and UML, and implement Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). The course also
emphasizes project management, risk management, and quality assurance techniques, ensuring that
participants can handle the development of complex products effectively.
The Product Management module introduces participants to strategic product planning, market research, and customer-centric design, highlighting the role of product managers in guiding products through their life cycles. Participants will be well-prepared to sit for INCOSE certification, while also having practical knowledge in product management for high-stakes, complex projects.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Apply systems engineering principles to complex product and system development.
2. Understand and implement systems thinking to approach product design and problem-solving
holistically.
3. Define and manage system boundaries and interfaces, and identify key stakeholders.
4. Elicit, capture, and manage both business and technical requirements throughout the product life cycle.
5. Develop and manage system architectures using SysML and UML.
6. Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques to model, simulate, and validate
systems.
7. Implement key project management practices, including risk analysis, configuration management, and quality assurance.
8. Prepare for the INCOSE Systems Engineering Certification knowledge exam.
9. Strategic product planning
Prerequisites
• A basic understanding of engineering principles and project management.
• Familiarity with product development processes and systems integration.
• Experience with software tools for systems modeling (e.g., UML, SysML) is helpful but not
mandatory.
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking
• Overview of systems engineering principles and methodologies.
• Understanding systems thinking and its application in product development.
• Defining system boundaries, interfaces, and key stakeholders.
• Product hierarchy and lifecycle management.
Module 2: Eliciting and Managing Requirements
• Identifying and capturing business and technical requirements.
• Tools and techniques for requirements gathering (e.g., stakeholder analysis, interviews,
workshops).
• Writing clear, concise, and actionable requirements.
• Managing and prioritizing requirements throughout the product life cycle.
Module 3: Systems Architecture and Design
• Introduction to SysML (Systems Modeling Language) and UML (Unified Modeling Language).
• Creating system architectures and design models.
• Defining system components, interfaces, and behaviors.
• Managing system complexity through Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Case studies: Applying SysML and MBSE to real-world systems engineering challenges.
Module 4: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Fundamentals of MBSE and its role in modern systems engineering.
• Applying MBSE techniques for system design, simulation, and validation.
• Software tools for MBSE (e.g., Enterprise Architect, MagicDraw).
• Integrating MBSE with traditional engineering practices.
Module 5: Technical Processes and Systems Integration
• Managing technical processes across the product life cycle.
• Systems integration, verification, and validation (IV&V).
• Testing and evaluating system performance against requirements.
• Ensuring traceability and consistency across system components.
Module 6: Risk Management and Configuration Management
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in complex product development.
• Configuration management principles and practices.
• Managing changes and maintaining system integrity throughout the development cycle.
• Tools for risk management and configuration control.
Module 7: Quality Assurance and Project Management
• Ensuring quality in systems engineering projects.
• Key project management practices (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, V-Model) for systems engineering.
• Scheduling, resource allocation, and budgeting for systems projects.
• Techniques for effective stakeholder communication and project governance.
Module 8: Preparing for the INCOSE Certification Exam
• Overview of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook.
• Key topics and concepts for the certification exam.
• Practice questions and exam strategies.
• Resources and study materials to aid in exam preparation.
Module 9: Product Management (NEW)
1. Introduction to Systems Engineering
• Overview of Systems Thinking
• The Role of Systems Engineers in Complex Product Development
2. Product Life Cycle Management
• Stages of Product Life Cycle
• Managing Complex System Integration and Testing
3. Stakeholder & Business Requirements Elicitation
• Defining System Boundaries
• Techniques for Capturing and Analyzing Stakeholder Requirements
4. Risk Identification and Mitigation Techniques
• Ensuring Quality Assurance in Product Development
• Project Management for Complex Systems
5. Tech Module: Product Management
• Introduction to Product Management in Engineering
• Market Research, User Feedback, and Strategic Product Planning
6. Managing Product Roadmaps and Life Cycles
• Cross-functional Team Leadership and Communication
• Agile and Scrum for Product Development
• Case Studies: Product Management in Complex Systems Development
Course Length: Five Weeks (One Month and One Week)
Duration: 25 hours (6 sessions of 5 hours each)
Eligible individuals include
• Systems engineers and product development managers.
• Project managers working in complex product or system development.
• Engineers and professionals seeking formal certification in systems engineering.
• Anyone involved in product lifecycle management and systems integration.
Materials Provided
• Course workbook and supplementary materials (provided via USB).
• Access to modeling tools such as SysML and UML for hands-on exercises.
• Sample practice questions for the INCOSE certification exam.
Certificate Title
Certified Systems Engineering & Product Management Specialist