Systems Engineering and Software Engineering - Stand on the Standards

Systems engineering and software engineering standards have been around since the late 1960's, have evolved, and will continue to evolve. However, systems engineering and software engineering have continued to be two of the least well-understood engineering disciplines.

The goals of this tutorial are to:

1. describe the systems engineering and software engineering standards heritage, processes, and products;
2. show the relationship between systems engineering and software engineering processes and products based on the standards; and
3. encourage and challenge the participants to read, understand, select, tailor, and apply the systems engineering and software engineering standards, i.e., "stand on the standards," as opposed to relying solely on other sources such as instructions, procedures, guides, textbooks, education, training, and experience.

Understanding the standards will significantly aid in understanding the relationship between systems engineering and software engineering.

Customers, companies, authors, educators, managers, engineers, and others may have an understanding of portions of systems engineering and software engineering based on these other sources. Standards, developed by subject matter experts and approved by a nationally recognized standards organization, provide a more complete and common understanding of systems engineering and software engineering, and thus provide a firm foundation for product and process development. Knowledge of these standards and experience in applying them are also significant enhancements to any engineer's career.

Mr. John Clark is a Chief Engineer with Defense Mission Systems, a Division of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. John is located at Warfare Systems Engineering in Virginia Beach VA. Currently he is supporting Northrop Grumman Newport News at the Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding Carrier Integration Center (VASCIC) on the new CVN 77 and CVN 21 aircraft carrier programs. John's background includes over 37 years of experience in applying systems engineering and software engineering to a wide variety of systems including the acquisition, development, verification/testing, operations, and support/maintenance of military tactical command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, radar, sonar, electronic warfare, identification, weapon, network, scientific, and information systems. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York. John's current professional memberships include IEEE and INCOSE. He and his wife Linda of over 36 years have four children, Robin, Kristin, Jason, and Aimee, and two grandchildren, Anthony and Eddie. John is an active member of his church and leads the Royal Rangers outreach ministry program for at-risk boys in a local trailer park.

ROM Thai Restaurant
7512 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505
(757)480-7900

Directions from the South Side:

• Take I-64 W to VA-165 (Little Creek Rd) exit, (Exit 276C), towards US-460 W
• Turn LEFT on VA-165 Little Creek Road
• Cross the rail road tracks.
• Turn LEFT into the shopping center at Wards Corner, just before US-460 (Granby St.).
• ROM Thai is in the back corner!

• 6:00 PM Executive Committee Meeting
• 6:30 PM Social Period
• 7:00 PM Dinner
• 8:00 PM Technical Presentation

Meal Costs

• Members $20.00
• Guests $20.00
• Students$10.00
• There is no charge to attend the technical presentation.