How to Do Systems Analysis
Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management (Series Nr. 1)

1. Edition June 2007
368 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Focusing on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders, How to Do a Systems Analysis is a perfect complement to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses making the book is a suitable stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems.
Many systems engineering books describe the systematic process of developing, designing, and deploying large-scale complex systems, yet fail to present the fundamental systemic thinking needed to conceive complex systems and solve complex socio-technical problems. Rather than delve into the formal processes of systems engineering, this unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem definition and offers a unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem defining and offers a unique perspective on problem solving in all type so f domains. How to Do systems Analysis describes an approach that is appropriate for large-scale, complex systems in diverse disciplines. More specifically, How to Do Systems Analysis:
* Covers the six major phases of systems analysis, including goal development, the index of performance, and alternative candidate solutions, as well as the management of the systems team, project management, and more
* presents the core concepts of a general systems analysis methodology
* Includes examples that illustrate systems analysis concepts, along with case studies of systems analysis and systems engineering in the real world
* Features exercises at the end of many chapters to challenge readers to practice systems analysis thinking and skills
An eye-opening, thought-provoking reference for professionals in field that need input from systems engineering, such as telecommunications, transportation,m business consulting, and health care, this book is also a stimulating text for senior undergraduate and graduate students in systems engineering and systems analysis courses.
A Personal Note from William T. Scherer.
A Personal Note from William F. Gibson.
A Personal Note from Scott F. Ferber.
Original Preface from Jack Gibson.
Acknowledgments.
1. Introduction.
Historical Case Study: IIASA (A).
Exercises.
Case Study: Fun at Six Flags?
Historical Case Study: IIASA (B).
2. Six Major Phases of Systems Analysis.
Exercises.
Case Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part A.
Case Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part B.
Case Study: Wal-Mart Crisis!
3. Goal Development.
Case Study: Distance Learning in the Future?
Historical Case Study: Goals of 4C, Inc.
4. The Index of Performance.
Exercises.
Case Study: Sky High Airlines
Case Study: Bridges--Where to Spend the Security Dollars?
Case Study: Measuring the Process and Outcomes of Regional Transportation Collaboration.
Case Study: Baseball Free Agent Draft.
5. Develop Alternative Candidate Solutions.
Exercises.
Case Study: Winnebago.
Case Study: Distance Learning in the Future?
Historical Case Study: Real-Time Television Link with Mars Orbiter.
Historical Case Study: A Highway Vehicle Simulator.
RFP from DOT.
6. Rank Alternative Candidates.
Exercises.
Case Study: Training Center Location.
Case Study: Corporate Headquarters Location.
Case Study: Business School Selection.
7. Iteration and Transition.
Exercises.
8. Management of the Systems Team.
9. Project Management.
Case Study: Project Management.
10. The 10 Golden Rules of Systems Analysis.
References.
Index.
William T. Scherer, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Systems and Information Engineering at the University of Virginia where he teaches courses on systems engineering. He has authored and co-authored numerous publications on intelligent decision support systems, combinatorial optimization, and stochastic control. He is an associate editor for International Abstracts in Operations Research and reviewer for Operations Research, Annals of Operations Research, and IEEE Trans-actions on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). He has held the Lucien Carr III Professorship of Engineering, recognition of his excellence in undergraduate education.