Limits to Systems Engineering

Abstract

In this chapter I will analyze the concept of boundary and the rationale behind considering elements part of a system in three key systems engineering texts. Using examples of electric power systems in Europe being sociotechnical systems, I will argue three points. (1) First, I will argue that the systems engineering approach excludes certain elements from its conceptual representation of systems that are essential for the functioning of sociotechnical systems. (2) Secondly I will argue that the rationale behind this exclusion is based on an understanding of the behavior of its elements and their relations that leaves no space for the ‘missing’ elements. Therefore simply adding the elements is not an option. (3) And thirdly I will argue that because those left-out elements have a vital impact on (the functioning of) the system, a systems engineering methodology that does not and cannot take this vital impact into account is not fit for the practice of designing and managing even just the technical part of sociotechnical systems.