Introduction

The first examines the People, Product, Process (P3) approach, which is a streamlined, integrated, concurrent approach to designing products and their related processes. Implementing this team-based approach required a paradigm shift from traditional operations, calling for policy definition, resources, training, and team formation. The advantages of the team-based approach examined in this are many, including increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Next, a detailed trade study example is presented, examining relational database management systems (RDBMS) in order to make the best selection. The discussion covers the background and purpose of the trade study, as well as the scope of effort of the study. The case study provides insight into real-world systems engineering decision-making processes. The processes of conducting risk management activities for a real-world project are also examined in detail, with the term “risk” encompassing risks, issues, and opportunities. A sample risk data sheet is provided. Systems engineering is a key participant in managing suppliers. The Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) describes the SE processes, while the Supplier Management Plan (SMP) describes how supplier management interacts with organizations and with the suppliers. Boeing’s supplier ratings are used as a real-world. Finally, configuration management is defined as the systems engineering technical and administrative discipline applied over the lifecycle of a product and it is discussed in detail. The five principles of CM are: CM planning and execution, configuration identification, configuration change and variance control, configuration status accounting, and configuration verification. From a product perspective, CM is a management process for establishing and maintaining consistency of a product’s performance, functional and physical attributes with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its life. It is designed to support and help the program or system to deliver products faster and more efficiently, and it facilitates the timely conversion of requirements into products that will perform as required and that can be produced, operated, and supported as planned.