Managing Projects through Systems Engineering Methodologies

This article elaborates on a new management model, which is based on the application of systems engineering methodologies to the management of technology projects. Development of this framework, called the four frames Systems View, is presently in the early stages. Therefore, in order to explore the merits of this approach, it will be contrasted with the PRINCE2™ methodology, which is a widely used UK Government standard for project management. The article will also provide discussion of a case study involving the application of the Systems View to an engineering project that the author is currently managing. This project involves the refurbishment of an engineering laboratory to house high value specialist experimental equipment. Funding for the new equipment is being provided by an industrial company and there is complexity associated with capturing the industrial requirements from the funding body as well as the safety requirements from the host institution. Further complexity arises from managing the expectations of the project stakeholders and integrating the project with the wider organizational enterprise. The Systems View will be deployed on this engineering project in order to help facilitate the management of such complexity and to ensure the project achieves the required objectives. The case study will further highlight how use of the Systems View helped overcome any difficulties encountered as well as the specific leadership input required.