This book is about people who operate, maintain, design, research, and manage complex systems, ranging from air traffic control systems, process control plants and manufacturing facilities to industrial enterprises, government agencies and universities. The focus is on the nature of the work these types of people perform, as well as the human abilities and limitations that usually enable and sometimes hinder their work. In particular, this book addresses how to best enhance abilities and overcome limitations, as well as foster acceptance of the means to these ends.

Illustrating the major strategic challenges faced by executives and senior managers, this text articulates a range of choices of methods and tools rather than advocating one particular method. Featuring case studies from industry, government and non-profit organisations, the text integrates experiences and challenges told by thousands of executives.

In the field of engineering like many others, foreign competitors are beating U.S. businesses to the punch in terms of bringing new products successfully to the marketplace. How can U.S. engineering companies compete? Simply by turning to this thought-provoking work which answers these and many other questions of successful design products and systems that are market driven and user oriented. Using a comprehensive methodological framework for human-centered design of complex systems, it covers four phases: naturalist, marketing, engineering, sales and service. A wide variety of tools and...

Of related interest. Design for Success A Human-Centered Approach to Designing Successful Products and Systems William B. Rouse This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive, methodological framework for the human-centered design of complex systems. This dynamic new approach to system design includes four phases -- naturalist, marketing, engineering, and sales and service -- which cover the entire product life cycle, including:
* Evaluating users' needs and preferences
* Concept and market evaluation of alternative ways to satisfy these demands
* Detailed design and...

From modeling and simulation to games and entertainment

With contributions from leaders in systems and organizational modeling, behavioral and social sciences, computing and visualization, and gaming and entertainment, Organizational Simulation both articulates the grand vision of immersive environments and shows, in detail, how to realize it. This book offers unparalleled insight into the cutting edge of the field, since it was written by those who actually researched, designed, developed, deployed, marketed, sold, and critiqued today's best organizational simulations.

From modeling and simulation to games and entertainment

With contributions from leaders in systems and organizational modeling, behaviora...

Strategic planning expert William Rouse cuts to the heart of the most common causes of failed business plans and strategies and shows how to overcome them. He encourages strategic thinkers and planners to spend much more time analyzing a situation instead of jumping to ready solutions. The tone is tongue-in-cheek, but the keen observations and sage advice Rouse offers aptly address a serious subject. It's a fast-track primer in critical thinking and evaluation planners and managers at every level can use to approach their work more effectively.

This handbook is written and edited for systems engineers in industry and government, and to serve as a university reference handbook in systems engineering and management. It is primarily focused on systems engineering and systems management for fielding systems of all types, especially systems that are information technology and software intensive and which involve human and organizational elements. By focusing on systems engineering processes and systems management, the editors continue to produce a long lasting handbook that will make a difference in the design of systems of all types...

Fundamental Economic Principles, Methods, and Tools for Addressing Human Systems Integration Issues and Tradeoffs

Human Systems Integration (HSI) is a new and fundamental integrating discipline designed to help move business and engineering cultures toward more human-centered systems. Integrating consideration of human abilities, limitations, and preferences into engineering systems yields important cost and performance benefits that otherwise would not have been accomplished. In order for this new discipline to be effective, however, a cultural change--starting with organizational...

Explains multi-level models of enterprise systems and covers modeling methodology

This book addresses the essential phenomena underlying the overall behaviors of complex systems and enterprises. Understanding these phenomena can enable improving these systems. These phenomena range from physical, behavioral, and organizational, to economic and social, all of which involve significant human components. Specific phenomena of interest and how they are represented depend on the questions of interest and the relevant domains or contexts. Modeling and Visualization of Complex...

Examines current and prospective challenges surrounding global challenges of education, energy, healthcare, security, and resilience

This book discusses issues in large-scale systems in the United States and around the world. The authors examine the challenges of education, energy, healthcare, national security, and urban resilience. The book covers challenges in education including America's use of educational funds, standardized testing, and the use of classroom technology. On the topic of energy, this book examines debates on climate, the current and future developments...