Decision making in systems engineering: The foundation

Abstract

Engineering design is inherently a social activity as are all applied disciplines. Humans are typically the recipients of applied sciences, and as such the sociology of science and of knowledge is important. The following strives to illuminate the human biases present in modeling reality, the types of decision making often employed, the need for a holistic systems of systems approach, the need to consider the human side of engineering, the complexities involved, and the need for collaboration to solve todaypsilas toughest problems. Finally, hints for future engineering problem solving methodologies involving human tendencies is introduced.