Knowledge, abilities, cognitive characteristics and behavioral competences of engineers with high capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST)

• Published in: Systems engineering Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 91 - 103
• Main Author: Frank, Moti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.06.2006; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; behavioral competences of systems engineers; capacity for engineering systems thinking; cognitive characteristics of systems engineers; Computer science; control theory; systems; engineering systems thinking; Exact sciences and technology; Software; Software engineering; systems thinking in engineers; systems view; capacity for engineering systems thinking; Cognitive system; Cognitive theory; cognitive characteristics of systems engineers; behavioral competences of systems engineers; engineering systems thinking; Behavioral analysis; Capacity; Systems engineering; Know how; systems view; System identification; systems thinking in engineers; Multidisciplinary
• ISSN: 1098-1241; 1520-6858
• DOI: 10.1002/sys.20048

A major high‐order thinking skill that enables engineers to successfully perform systems engineering tasks is Engineering Systems Thinking. To successfully perform their tasks, systems engineers need a systems view or, in other words, a high capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST). This paper summarizes the findings of three studies aimed at identifying the knowledge, abilities, cognitive characteristics (thinking skills) and personal traits (behavioral competences) of systems engineers with high capacity for engineering systems thinking (or, in other words, successful systems engineers). The findings suggest that successful systems engineers possess interdisciplinary knowledge. They are expert in at least one main field but have general knowledge in additional fields and disciplines. They become familiar with the jargon and professional language of the other disciplines and are able to communicate with people or experts from different fields and disciplines. Overall, 10 cognitive characteristics, 11 abilities, and 10 behavioral competences were identified. In addition, nine additional roles of systems engineering were identified. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 9: 91–103, 2006