James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EG5505 - Systems Engineering

Subject Description

This subject introduces Systems Engineering and Project Management as applicable to contemporary engineering projects. Systems Engineering is a rigorous, repeatable and methodical approach to solving the complex technical problems often encountered in industry and beyond. The approach starts with an identification of a problem and the need for a new or improved system to be developed. This problem is explored and understood before the requirements for the new or improved system are to be developed and then analysed and articulated clearly. Potential solutions to the problem are then identified and evaluated against the requirements before a preferred solution is selected for subsequent design and development. Systems Engineering is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to engineering and aims to develop solutions that not only meet requirements but are also balanced across the entire system lifecycle (including production, utilisation, support and disposal phases). Systems Engineering also closely links and integrates with non-technical disciplines and in particular Project Management. Project Management methodology and tools and techniques are explored through project life cycle and phases; activity networks; time management; cost management; physical resource management; quality management; contract management; project monitoring, information and control systems and sustainable practices.

Learning Outcomes

• communicate effectively, including written and oral and other forms, in a professional environment
• manage professional and ethical responsibilities and abide by them while delivering projects
• compare approaches and concepts to a range of complex and uncertain engineering management problems
• apply sustainable practices while planning, designing, and managing projects
• examine various engineering systems and project management tools and concepts for performance evaluation, auditing and successful delivery of projects
• use risk analysis techniques to assess and identify their potential effects on a project to implement appropriate intervention plans

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Project report - (45%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EG5308

Availabilities