Systems Management and Control

This chapter focuses on the critical role of project management and systems engineering management plan (SEMP) in managing complex system design efforts. Systems engineering is a structured, requirement-driven process that often involves high degree of complexity, often involving strict timelines and budget with large, globally distributed teams. With the inherent uncertainties and challenges in such dynamic environments, effective planning and management are paramount. The SEMP serves as a vital tool, planning, scheduling, and controlling technical activities throughout the system life cycle. This chapter begins by outlining the composition and responsibilities of system design teams, highlighting the interaction between systems engineering and project management. It then delves into the SEMP itself, detailing its major sections and the key information for each section. The second part of the chapter introduces two widely used project control models—the critical path method (CPM) and the program evaluation and review technique (PERT). Examples of these models are provided to illustrate their practical application in systems engineering project management. The primary goal of this chapter is to equip readers with a foundational understanding of project management and the models essential for scheduling and controlling systems engineering technical activities, ensuring the successful execution of complex projects.