Sector III Speaker Program: Systems Integration: A Complex Challenge
The Asia-Oceania Sector proudly presents
The Sector III Speaker Program:
Systems Integration: A Complex Challenge
Presented by David Hetherington
13 December 2024
12:00 PM Australian Central Standard Time (Adelaide)
India (IST) 7 AM
Thailand (ICT) 8:30 AM
Singapore / China (CST) / Philippines / Perth (AWST) 9:30 AM
South Korea (KST) / Japan (JST) 10:30 AM
Adelaide (ACST) 12 PM
Eastern Australia (AEST) 12:30 PM
New Zealand (NZST) 2:30 PM
Register Here!
Systems Integration: A Complex Challenge
Presented by David Hetherington
At first glance, systems integration seems like it should be straightforward: create a plan, assemble smaller components, and then piece together the larger ones until the system is fully integrated. However, reality rarely follows this linear path. Most systems integration projects are chaotic, involving unexpected complications, costly setbacks, and considerable delays. Rarely do these projects finish on time, even with meticulous planning.
Despite the frequency of these challenges, theoretical material on systems integration is surprisingly scarce. The INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook provides some insights, but the coverage is limited. For those looking for more in-depth resources, the landscape can be frustrating. For example, there is only one dedicated book on Amazon, which is not only expensive but also dense and difficult to digest. On the brighter side, the INCOSE Wiley library offers a few high-quality papers by experienced authors, which provide valuable insights. However, these papers are best appreciated by those who have hands-on experience in the “systems integration tornado.” For the inexperienced, the depth of the challenge may not be fully apparent through academic texts alone.
One critical issue that is often overlooked in academic discussions is budgeting. Why aren’t sufficient resources allocated from the outset to ensure successful systems integration? The answer lies in the complex nature of large projects, where planning and resource allocation are influenced by intense political pressures. Recent bestsellers have shed light on how these pressures can derail even the most well-intentioned project plans.
In this presentation:
1. We will begin by translating academic theories into more concrete, real-world terms. What do these effects mean in practice, and how do they manifest during systems integration?
2. We will then explore the current understanding of the political, sociological, and cognitive challenges that often lead large projects to failure.
3. David Hetherington will share two of his personal experiences with large-scale systems integration projects: a shipbuilding effort in Singapore and the development of a brand-new infotainment system for a leading minivan manufacturer in the United States.
4. Finally, we will conclude with actionable strategies and practical tactics to mitigate risks in less-than-ideal project environments.
The presentation will end with a Q&A session to encourage further discussion and insights.
Register Here!
Speaker Bio:
David Hetherington is the author and publisher of the Simple for Beginners series, which guides novices in using SysML and the Arcadia methodology with four specific tools. With over forty years of engineering experience across a wide range of software and hardware technologies, David brings a wealth of expertise to his work. His career spans complex challenges, including radar system design. Currently, as an MBSE leader and consultant, David is focused on simplifying and enhancing modeling and communication techniques to make stakeholder discussions more intuitive and inclusive for all participants.
Register Here!