Researching & Delivering Non-Traditional Systems Engineering Education Jenna Whitney Program Manager, Impact Innovations Group NDIA 6th Annual Systems Engineering Conference October 20-23, 2003

Agenda Not-so-unique SE training requirements Not-so-unique SE training requirements In-depth analysis of US SE curriculum In-depth analysis of US SE curriculum Quality SE curriculum in non-traditional delivery Quality SE curriculum in non-traditional delivery Implementing SE training Implementing SE training Future Challenges Future Challenges

Background DOD Agency working to quickly build program management and systems engineering skills in order to succeed in its modernization efforts – mandated by Congress DOD Agency working to quickly build program management and systems engineering skills in order to succeed in its modernization efforts – mandated by Congress Systems Engineering Training Program funded as R&D effort to build a robust SE curriculum for DOD employees Systems Engineering Training Program funded as R&D effort to build a robust SE curriculum for DOD employees

A Systems Engineering Training Program that is: Commercially provided Commercially provided Portable in nature Portable in nature Flexible in delivery Flexible in delivery Modular in formatting Modular in formatting Links to industry-recognized certification Links to industry-recognized certification An option for graduate-level credit An option for graduate-level credit Program Requirements … That also provides:

Findings Local, lecture-based training Short classes and minimal time out of the office Separate and distinct training for SE Practitioners and their Managers/Facilitators External certification Additional requirements identified through multiple interviews with Systems Engineers, Acquisition Managers, Managers of Engineers and other Technical Staff Members:

Program Design Level 1 9 Classes Certificate of Completion Level 3 Experiential Development, Additional Training Level 2 Specialization Tracks 2-4 Classes, Certificate of Completion INCOSE Certification 8 High-level Overview Courses INTRO TO SE REQUIREMENTS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN LOGISTICS & SUPPORTABILITY RELIABILITY & MAINTAINABILITY INTEGRATION PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR SEs RISK MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING ECONOMICS SE Practitioners Managers/Facilitators of SE Common Areas of Study

Research 85 training sources initially reviewed 28 sources found to have relevant SE training Further analysis and source interviews produced a final “Top 10” that could meet all or some of the client’s requirements US study of sources for SE education & training; both commercial and private, accredited and non-accredited; focused on agency-specific requirements

Source Selection Provides portable, modular & flexible SE training in nine areas of study Incorporates curriculum from four of the top five SE schools identified in the study Entails two tracks of training – Practitioner and Manager/Facilitator tracks Possibly ties to INCOSE Certification Additional interviews of remaining training sources conducted; client approval of program that:

Future of SETP Level 1 9 Classes Certificate of Completion Level 3 Experiential Development, Additional Training Level 2 Specialization Tracks 2-4 Classes, Certificate of Completion INCOSE Certification Mentoring Program, Internships, Community Assignments, Special Projects, etc. Areas of Concentration, Tool Training, etc. Additional three-hour, executive-level seminar offered for senior management

Challenges Limited number of training sources available that meet agency requirements Limited number of training sources available that meet agency requirements Dependence on instructor availability Dependence on instructor availability Difficulty in engaging mid-level management Difficulty in engaging mid-level management