Systems Architecting

The role of system architect requires a broad set of skills. This course focuses on the less technical aspects of systems architecting.

What is Systems Architecting?

System architects play an integrating role between many specialized engineers and other stakeholders during the creation of new systems. The role of system architect requires a broad set of skills. This course (SESA 6202) focuses at the less technical aspects of systems architecting. The program is based on one of the basic working methods of an architect: viewpoint hopping. The course addresses systems architecting from ten different viewpoints.

What will you learn?

We address the following questions:

1. How do systems architecting fit in the organization and its processes?
2. What are the deliverables, responsibilities, and activities of the system architect?
3. How to elicit requirements?
4. What methods, tools, and techniques are available for the architect?
5. How to anticipate future needs, trends, and changes?
6. How to harvest synergy?
7. What is the role of software in complex systems?
8. How to structure and manage documentation?
9. How to present to less technical management teams?
10. What human factors impact systems architecting?
11. How to apply this material in the own organization, short term, and long term.

Instruction

The courses are organized in different ways depending on the duration. When organized as a one-week intensive course, the lectures last from 0840 to 1630 each day. The courses are a mixture of lectures and work in groups.  Master students and others taking courses for credit will work on a written assignment that is due 13 weeks after the end of the course.  A completed course with an approved written assignment will give 7.5 study points. 

Who should take this course?

Engineering managers, systems engineers, lead designers, chief engineers, senior engineers, technical directors, and managers.