Abstract: Too many times we take systems engineering to be a process - a checklist of activities we can do that will aggregate to “systems engineering.” Throw in “models” and we get “model-based systems engineering.” But, we have to have a solid foundation for what we do. There must be good, sound engineering paired with solid, intentional systems thinking. Without the understanding and application of fundamental first principles we can walk through the steps and miss the real rewards. This program will explore the first principles of the systems thinking leg of systems engineering. We will talk about the fundamental understanding of systems and how we think in a truly new way. We will consider how systems thinking is a real paradigm shift from the reductionist version of the scientific method that is the basis of much of our education. We will see how the application of this thinking leads us to realize the power of “real” systems engineering!

Zane Scott, ASEP, VP for Professional Services at Vitech Corporation

Speaker: Zane Scott is a veteran of 18 years in the courtroom where he tried over 100 jury trials. Trained as a hostage/crisis negotiator, mediator and labor-management facilitator, he has taught communication, negotiation and facilitation skills in a variety of government and commercial settings. As VP for Professional Services for Vitech and an Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP), Zane understands the world of systems engineering and the role of these soft-skills in it. He has served as the Chair of the INCOSE Corporate Advisory Board and as a member of the INCOSE Board of Directors. A member of INCOSE’s Chesapeake Chapter, he is a frequent teacher, speaker and blogger on a wide variety of systems engineering topics.

Door Prize: 

All registrants will be provided a number - which will be entered into a random number generator in order to select the winner.

Vintage INCOSE Chesapeake Caffeine Delivery System

Cost: Free.

Agenda:

• 6:00 – 6:45 pm SE Table talk

• 6:45 – 7:00 pm Chapter Business Meeting

• 7:00 – 8:00 pm LECTURE