Conclusion

Abstract

The design of systems and components is a crucial element that affects both the cost and efficacy of products produced for the world economy. Design is a characteristic function of engineering. The structure of engineering education underwent a major shift after WWII. The nationwide shift toward a more sciencebased curricula for all levels of education led to design type courses being devalued and even omitted in engineering education. Recent efforts to re-invigorate design in both undergraduate and graduate engineering programs in the United States have re-emphasized the role of design in the engineering curricula. The current text has been developed to address a unique topic in engineering design—non-functional requirements in systems analysis and design endeavors, thereby seeking to fill a perceived void in the existing engineering literature.