Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea Ramirez-Salgado, University of Florida; Eric Wright, University of Florida

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

, 2023 Measuring Systems Thinking Using Stealth AssessmentAbstractAs technology advances and databases grow larger, people require high-level skills to processinformation effectively [1]. To address complex problems while maintaining a comprehensiveview of the situation, one valuable competency is Systems Thinking (ST). ST is a systematicapproach that allows individuals to navigate different levels of a system without losing sight ofthe big picture [2]. For instance, software development involves numerous components,including user needs, environments, change management, performance metrics, budget,workflows, and more. A systems thinker must understand the causal relationships between thesecomponents to provide a comprehensive and

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Drzymalski, Temple University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

profession leaving them at a disadvantage [1] [2][3]. They argue that what is needed is the ability to design and function in a diverse, globalenvironment and that many are graduating with skills that are often in conflict with workplacerequirements leaving them ill-equipped to be a fully functioning contributor.As an example, we teach students to research the problem during the engineering design process,before developing potential solutions. This research typically consists of only those elementswhich relate to the engineering specifications of the problem and the subsequent requirementsand constraints developed are measured via engineering equipment or tools. On the other hand,the practice of engineering can be considered a web of socio-technical

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amy Thompson, University of Connecticut; Matthew D. Stuber, University of Connecticut; Song Han, University of Connecticut; Abhishek Dutta, University of Connecticut; Hongyi Xu, University of Connecticut; Shengli Zhou, University of Connecticut; Qian Yang, University of Connecticut; Fei Miao, University of Connecticut; George M. Bollas, University of Connecticut

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

; supply chain design; and undergraduate, graduate, and online systems engineering education development and assessment. In 2018, she started the SmartBuildings CT program at UConn with funding from Eversource and the United Illuminating Company. She is part of the leadership team at the University of Connecticut that leads the newly awarded US Department of Energy’s Southern New England Industrial Assessment Center and that offers no-charge energy audits to 20 manufacturing facili- ties in CT each year to help them lower their energy usage and costs. Dr. Thompson was the recipient of the US EPA Environment Merit Award, Region 1 (2017).Prof. Matthew D. Stuber, University of Connecticut Dr. Matt Stuber is an Assistant

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Marymount University; Abhilasha Mishra, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, The Capital College

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

different parts of a complexsystem interact and influence each other [1]. Applying systems thinking simplifies the analysis ofcomplex problems and makes it easier to make informed decisions. According to Peter Senge[2], systems thinking is “a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeingpatterns rather than static snapshots. It is a set of general principles spanning fields as diverseas physical and social sciences, engineering and management.” In all cases, applying systemsthinking makes it easier to make informed decisions by focusing on solutions that consider theroot cause of a problem rather than just addressing the symptoms.Interest in systems thinking has greatly increased in recent years with applications in

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel B Oerther P.E., Missouri University of Science and Technology; Sarah Oerther

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

engineering) as further subject matter for the application of systems engineering,particularly in the area of sustainable development. According to the United Nations, theSustainable Development Goals support the five pillars of people, planet, prosperity,partnerships, and peace, which are known as the 5 Ps of sustainable development. Here within,we share: 1) background on the development of the nurse+engineer, which is a newly describedV-shaped professional; 2) content of two course modules that may be used to teach partnershipbetween engineers and nurses to address the challenges of sustainable development usingsystems engineering; and 3) initial qualitative feedback from students collected throughanonymous end-of-semester surveys. Our results

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

ISAAC DAMILARE DUNMOYE, University of Georgia; VINCENT OLUWASETO FAKIYESI, University of Georgia; Similoluwa Temitope Ige, University of Georgia; Wayne Johnson, University of Georgia

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

study sheets and underscores the complexity of theirimpact on student learning. The implications of the findings for future research are alsodiscussed.IntroductionThe evaluation of students' understanding of engineering course concepts through closed-book,time-limited examinations has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its efficacy inpromoting a deep understanding of critical concepts [1]. Critics argue that this approach oftenleads to memorization without fostering genuine comprehension [2]. In response, some suggestalternative examination formats, such as permitting the use of study sheets during examination.These study sheets, also known as study guides or cheat sheets, serve as concise summaries ofcrucial course concepts, offering

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Zachary Martin, Penn State University; Aaron Olsen, Penn State University; Kiana Karami, Penn State University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

the involved faculty. The resulting radio telescope projectprovides university undergraduate students with the ability to learn the basics of radio astronomythrough the easily accessible small-scale radio telescope system.IntroductionThis project was developed as an extension of a collaborative project between studentengineering and astronomy clubs. The members of the capstone team took on the design of thecontrol system and coordination of the overall project. During the initial development of theproject, a system block diagram was established as shown in Figure 1. This block diagram givesan overview of the major components of a radio telescope system. It was divided into threemajor sections, which were then assigned to task teams. In this

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shamsnaz Virani Bhada, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sarah E. Stanlick, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

education encouragingstudents to have an experiential learning component in community, whereby they practiceengineering design in communities. Yet, this happens rarely with the appropriate training andwith no partnership with community-based scientists. For example, in this case from theAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers [1] , the team identified thechallenges of distribution of aid in agricultural development projects and, using stakeholderanalysis, outlined the essential voices as the engineer, funder, government, and the internationalNGO. While this is a strong team of voices, they were missing important insight fromstakeholder who were immediately impacted by the design of these engineering solutions. Thisoversight, in

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea Goncher-Sevilla, University of Florida; John Alexander Mendoza-Garcia, University of Florida; Mengyu Li, University of Florida

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

and evolve withtime; therefore, addressing the changing problems with short- and long-term goals is important. However,many students need scaffolding to assist their goal formulation activities, such as design constraints andguidelines. Engineering educators should consider including in their courses strategies that would trainstudents to gather necessary information and build scaffolding on their own through goal formulationactivities.1. INTRODUCTIONIn systems engineering, goal formulation is a crucial step in the early stages of the system development lifecycle. It involves defining and clarifying the objectives that a system is intended to achieve. The goalformulation process helps establish a clear understanding of the system's purpose

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shamsnaz Virani Bhada, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sarah E. Stanlick, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

Engineeringstudents articulate human diversity more centrally in their artifacts.Literature ReviewStakeholder analysis is a critical tool for engineering education which could be made moreinclusive and critical. The use of traditional models of stakeholder analysis, while centering the“user” in the creation of systems and products, can miss out on critical questions of equity,fairness, and inclusion. In order to affect change in the stakeholder analysis process, systemsengineering educators have an opportunity to create more meaningful experiences and activitiesto help students think about decolonizing engineering processes [1].Issues of equity are not just with marginalized populations but also with new tech, new methods,and a loss of objective critical