Bristol Group Local Event Review - 29 th Sep 04 |
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Wednesday 29th September 2004 marked a turning point, or rather a returning point in the cause of systems engineering in the west country, as the Bristol Local Group held its re-launch event at the University of the West of England, Bristol. The event, themed 21st Century Systems Engineering Challenges attracted an audience of over 40 attendees, both members and non-members (in some cases lapsed members who just needed a bit of a reminder), covering a broad cross-section of local industry and academia. The event featured two thought provoking presentations. The first, from Gordon Warnes of Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, described how systems engineering is seen as a key enabler of the move from a traditional business (where the answer to every problem turns out to be a gas turbine) to a service oriented business (where concepts such as power by the hour need to be supported). It was particularly pleasing to see that this move to through life system development has highlighted the level of systems engineering that was going on anyway, even if it wasnt necessarily labelled that way. The second presentation from Hillary Sillitto of THALES (and president-elect of INCOSE UK) was an exploration of some of the current hot topics that the great and the good of INCOSE have been debating in recent months (and probably for the last couple of decades too). This presentation revolved around definitions of systems engineering, and the activities that its practitioners perform. It provided a fascinating demonstration of just how intangible the concepts of systems engineering really are when subjected to scrutiny one attendee was heard remarking that he loves the way that its all so flexible and up for discussion. As is usual at INCOSE events, there were plenty of lively comments and observations from the floor, and early feedback suggests that the event was well received. The next event is planned for 24th November 2004 and will feature a panel discussion of issues related to requirements engineering. We hope to see everyone there again, plus all those who said they couldnt make it this time! Ian Gibson (on behalf of the Bristol Local Group). |
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