FINDINGS OF CASE STUDIES IN ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

In terms of general findings, there was agreement across most of the case studies that the ESE processes described here were very useful in guiding the steps involved in enterprise level engineering. It was also noted, however, that
many of the studies did not use the processes completely or sequentially, but rather pulled from them as needs arose. An additional process for Stakeholder Analysis also proved very useful on a number of programs reviewed in the studies and in other cases, its absence proved detrimental to the engineering effort overall—highlighting the need for yet a sixth ESE process.

A number of other common findings related to the important utility of up-front capabilities-based engineering, engineering architecture and the important role of integrating technology planning into a program’s business processes to ensure successful enterprise. There was agreement throughout the study effort that enlightened systems engineering must account for social, cultural and economic variables if it is to be successful. This result has broad implications for systems engineering theory, practice and education. A more detailed summary
of these and other findings is provided below.