1-The three major stages of engineering development are a concept; design; and post-development.  Briefly explain why they are organized in that sequence, and describe some potential consequences if development were NOT carried out in that sequence.

The engineering project process is a sequence of phases that engineers keep an eye on to come up with a clarification to a problem. Numerous times the description involves scheming a product that encounters certain standards and/or accomplishes a specific chore. Engineers do not continually keep an eye on the engineering project process phases in order, one after another. This is dangerous because the stages mark the primary transition system in the life cycle of the process. If they are not followed correctly, then the project might not be realized. Failure to comply with the stages may lead to delay in the process as the engineer must go back to the system and check for the problem to be corrected.  For instance, if the stages are not followed, it is very mutual to go back to a previous phase to make an amendment or change to your scheme which leads to a waste of resource.

2-The Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) includes a section on the systems engineering organization (i.e., integrated product teams).  Briefly outline how the SEMP would describe the attributes of an SE team, i.e., which attributes of the SE team would the SEMP identify and describe? (Do NOT create a notional organization chart.)

SEMP defines how the engineering portion of the project will be implemented and monitored; it coordinates work between different teams and at the same time act as communication and controlling the link between project management and technical teams. Further, its primary function is to ensure that many participants’ teams know their responsibility. A well-planned SEMP with details help in providing a clear roadmap for SE.SEMP should work in close coordination with all the teams so that necessary SE procedures are followed. The carefully prepared and well-planned execution of SEMP leads to the proper implementation of SE and compares the planned tasks and those that are completed.

The attributes of SEMP are as follows.

1. Reduces the risk of schedule
2. Reduces the overall cost.
3. Increases the chances of SE meeting the project expectations.
4. Improves the participation of technical teams with required technical knowledge which results in better coordination and improved operational efficiency of the teams in the project execution phase.
5. Develops systems and adopts best practices to ensure that the project meets the expectations defined during the planning phase.
6. All activities and systems are verified for functionality & defects
7. Helps in improving the planning of future SEMP program and
8. Proper documentation with all technical aspects.

The SEMP has to facilitate SE’s by coordinating work activities, making timely decisions, promoting teamwork and communication with project teams and stakeholders. Through the work of the SEMP, there is a high possibility that the project will be realized.

3-You are asked to perform an “Analyses of Alternatives” (or trade study) for subsidized low-cost transportation of students from the Catholic University campus to a proposed off-campus housing site in Maryland that is several miles from the nearest Metro station, but close to major highways and next to a Baltimore-Washington MARC railroad station.  The chosen transportation scheme is to be paid for by the University.  Describe in detail:

• How you would set up your analysis
• The specific transportation concepts you would explore (choose AT LEAST 3 concepts)
• The specific criteria you would use to evaluate these concepts (choose AT LEAST 4 criteria)
• A matrix showing how you would evaluate the concepts against the criteria (but you do NOT have to perform the full analysis with specific numbers)

My analysis starts with the availability of all alternatives to meet the given objectives with conditions and limitations. The assigned target is, travel the students from campus area to residential area in the US, from Catholic university to Baltimore railroad station. There are minimal alternatives to meet the obligations. Among those, one is set a bus from campus to the residential area. The other option is arranging vans or arranging cars from a given area to the residential area. Lastly, one may choose to use the train from the residential area to the railroad to reach the intended destination. The criteria I have selected these alternatives are the number of students who have to travel from campus to the given area. The nature of roads and the timings of the people for traveling. All these factors must be in consideration and must choose a better alternative to fulfill all these requirements. The requirement must be met to ensure that transportation is done efficiently and in an orderly manner.

4-Explain the advantages and disadvantages of introducing system concepts to secondary students to encourage them to pursue STEM careers

ADVANTAGES OF STEM CAREERS

Most students may not even realize the benefits that come with working in the STEM fields. Aside from a plethora of job opportunities and choices, those working in STEM have a lot to be happy about. There is a ton of room for advancement, which means an ever-changing environment. STEM careers usually allow you to set clear goals and accomplishments, yielding a reward more fulfilling than just high paychecks. Moreover, it prepares students for college and the workforce by enabling them to develop critical thinking and innovation skills in the field of engineering. Speaking of high paychecks, STEM jobs, on average, pay out about 70% more than the national average. Further, it promotes gender equality as both male and female have chances of working in stem-related fields. Even though they do not have equal chances, the gap between them is narrow as their opportunities and encouragement are available for both genders.

The disadvantage of STEM careers:

This proportion is in line with admissions targets and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Special events for scientifically inclined admitted students, promotions of our science program at top high schools and personal outreach from top science faculty have paid off. Most Catholic students were good at high school science — often, they get to college and find that higher-level science is either uninteresting to them or more challenging than they expected. This is because the concept has no clear-cut guidelines or standards and the ideas also starts too late in life. As a result, the underperforming students might be left out which is clear evidence that the field does not cater for individual differences. This makes it have few enrolments hence can lead to a decline in its knowledge among the Catholic students.

5-What is meant by “MOE”?  For the effectiveness analysis of a sports utility vehicle (SUV), list what you think would be the 10 most important characteristic that should be exercised and measured in the analysis.

MOE stands for Measures of Effectiveness and is a measure designed to correspond to the system’s overall performance that points out the caliber degree to which it fulfills its objectives under certain conditions. Generally, it is intended to correspond to mission objectives and achievement of the accomplishment of the desired result. 10 most important characteristics to be measured for an SUV.

1. Maximum miles per gallon
2. Likelihood of losing control
3. Noise inside the car exceeds threshold standards
4. Maximum safe weight with passenger and a full cargo
5. The probability of dying in a car crash
6. Maximum tow weight
7. Likelihood of tipping over
8. Maximum useful life
9. Maximum passenger capacity
10. The possibility of a car being stolen