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

TLDR

Engineering Systems Thinking is a high‑order skill essential for engineers to successfully perform systems engineering tasks, requiring a high capacity for CEST. This paper summarizes three studies that identify the knowledge, abilities, cognitive characteristics, and behavioral competences of systems engineers with high capacity for engineering systems thinking. The authors reviewed three studies that examined systems engineers' knowledge, abilities, cognitive characteristics, and personal traits. The studies found that successful systems engineers possess interdisciplinary knowledge, are experts in one main field with general knowledge in others, can navigate cross‑disciplinary jargon and communicate effectively, and exhibit 10 cognitive characteristics, 11 abilities, 10 behavioral competences, and nine additional systems‑engineering roles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Syst Eng 9: 91–103.

Abstract

Abstract 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