The AI team take a deep dive into a technical note that critiques the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system used by NASA and the DOD for assessing technology maturity, arguing that its focus on early-stage development is insufficient. It proposes a holistic thinking approach, advocating for a Technology Availability Window of Opportunity (TAWOO) that considers the entire technology lifecycle, from conception to obsolescence. The TAWOO incorporates a dynamic TRL (dTRL) to better predict future readiness … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into C.J. Kikkert’s presentation to the Retired Engineers Group in Adelaide, Australia, February 2025. The presentation explores the feasibility of nuclear power within Australia’s energy transition. Kikkert, an electrical engineer with no vested interest in nuclear or renewable industries, analyzes nuclear power’s properties, costs, and timelines, comparing it to variable renewable energy (VRE) sources like solar and wind. The presentation questions nuclear power’s economic viability and its impact on grid … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a paper which proposes a holistic approach to optimizing complex systems by focusing on optimizing interactions between subsystems during the design phase, rather than optimizing individual subsystems afterward. Using a male-female sexual relationship as an initial case study, the author argues that this method yields superior results. The approach is then illustrated through diverse examples, including weapons systems, the Apollo program, and educational settings. The core concept centers on a two-subsystem model … Continue reading →

The AI team does a deep dive into an online presentation made by Dr Joseph Kasser and Bruce Lerner to the British Computer Society (BCS) in 2023. The presentation exposes two common misconceptions about systems thinking.  First, it clarifies the proper application of reductionism, arguing that it’s a valuable analytical tool, not an opposing methodology to systems thinking.  Second, it explains that “open” and “closed” systems are not distinct types but rather different perspectives on … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into David Hetherington’s webinar presentation on systems integration made in the INCOSE Sector III Speaker Series in December 2024 – Systems Integration: A Complex Challenge. The presentation details the complexities of integrating multiple systems from various suppliers. He contrasts two organizational types: “Marching Band” (highly structured, predictable) and “Goat Rodeo” (chaotic, unpredictable), offering strategies for success in each. The presentation uses case studies (a jackup rig and an infotainment system) to illustrate common pitfalls like … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into the case study on the successful system design process of the LuZ SEGS-1 solar power system’s control and electronics in 1981, using a modified Functions Requirements Answers and Test (FRAT) approach. The author, Joseph Kasser, uses the SEGS-1 project as a case study to illustrate how FRAT facilitates understanding the relationships between system functions, physical decomposition, and requirements. The paper presents several design choices and their rationales, … Continue reading →

Our AI team take a deep dive into Joseph Kasser and Bruce Lerner’s  pdf handout “Resolving the-8.pdf” for a presentation aimed at a focused discussion in an INCOSE Oak Café meeting in 2024 analyzes the inconsistent definitions of “system” in literature. The authors examine numerous definitions, revealing a lack of consensus stemming from the context-dependent nature of “system”. They propose focusing on the System of Interest (SOI) instead, arguing that this clarifies the ambiguity by specifying the system under … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a research paper which explores the design and implementation of a “balanced classroom” approach to systems engineering education. The author, drawing on years of teaching experience and systems engineering principles, argues that traditional lecture-based methods are ineffective and proposes a system that integrates various pedagogical techniques, including flipped classrooms and authentic learning activities. The research investigates the effectiveness of different teaching methods and delivery modes (synchronous/asynchronous), analyzing … Continue reading →

Our AI team takes a deep dive into Dr Kasser’s video discussing the two most common mistakes students make on essay exams: [1] failing to fully answer the questions asked and [2] including irrelevant information. The video proposes using three tools to avoid these errors: (1) the STALL method (carefully reading the question), (2) a compliance matrix (a table to track answered question parts), and (3) an answer template (structured response based on the question’s format). The video uses a sample … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a YouTube video which provides guidance on selecting a systems thinking, systems engineering, or project management course. (It also applies to courses on other topics). The author emphasizes the importance of considering factors beyond course fees, such as instructor qualifications, content relevance, and delivery method (block, weekly, or EverCourse). The author highlights the shortcomings of certain delivery methods and advocates for a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure the chosen course … Continue reading →