[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Systems Thinking for Systems Engineers: A Foundational Skill

## Details

**Authors** Gibson H, Gillespie S, Evangelista P, Dabkowski M

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-19

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Engineering

**Secondary disciplines** Business & Management

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.000002) 
10.54120/jost.000002

## In authors' words

### Abstract

It is well established that the world is dynamic and complex and requires innovative thinkers who possess the cognitive capacity to ensure effective outcomes. This chapter explores the research, theory, and practice that helps us to define and better understand Systems Engineering. It provides three critical insights: (1) the origins of the discipline and why there is an expanded need for those who are integrators; (2) that there are many acceptable definitions for systems engineers, but a common lexicon is needed; and, (3) that there are core competencies that are desired to be an effective systems engineer in a vulnerable, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment. The chapter concludes with a business case for systems engineering competencies.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter on the research, theory, and practice defining systems engineering — its origins, its definitions, and the competencies an effective systems engineer needs in a VUCA environment.

### What they found (results)

The discipline needs integrators and a common lexicon; core competencies can be named, and there is a business case for investing in them.

## Commentary

### In short

Explores the origins and core skills of systems engineering and argues that systems thinking is foundational to it.

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors. The authors are faculty in the Department of Systems Engineering at the United States Military Academy, the department that teaches DSRP among the foundations of its systems engineering curriculum. They present DSRP as systems engineering's route into systems thinking, valued for giving structure to ambiguity. The adoption and the published argument for it come from the same people.

**Patterns it shows** D

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)
- [USMA West Point System Engineering Course](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/221)
- [Systems Thinking and the Engineering Leader](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/413)

## Questions it bears on

- Referred to by: [USMA West Point System Engineering Course](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/221)

**How to cite this** Gibson H, Gillespie S, Evangelista P, Dabkowski M (2023). Systems Thinking for Systems Engineers: A Foundational Skill. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-19.