The Features of Successful Integration of Program Management and Systems Engineering

This chapter presents cases and that are relevant to the exploration of integration and collaboration between systems engineers and program managers. Engineering program success requires contributors to combine their skills and abilities effectively to deliver the desired business benefits. One of the most comprehensive reviews of an organization's overall engineering program capabilities was published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2008. Rather than exploring how individual programs succeeded, the study focused instead on an organizational assessment of success‐which capabilities within NASA were critical for effective engineering program management. There are a number of recurrent themes observed in successful programs. These include, but are not limited to: teaming; communications; collaboration; and alignment. These characteristics of successful engineering programs can be achieved through integration, specifically the disciplines of systems engineering and program management.