While being an experiment within itself to teach normative design theory, this comprehensive book treats engineering design as a decision-making process, which it is, from a quantitative point of view. This opens a host of well-developed methods to application, including a mathematically rigorous treatment of risk and uncertainty in design. The book is designed to assist the reader by defining the boundaries of a discipline, providing order for the learning process, and assisting the reader in self testing. Provides a number of new methods and aids to engineering design: Cartoons for identifying system options; Scenario Diagrams for system simulation; an approach to the measurement of information relating to specific decisions; an overall and general approach to engineering design; a rigorous treatment of risk and uncertainty in engineering design, including measures of system value that are valid under risk and uncertainty; and an explanation of the principles of game theory as applied to engineering design.
A tentative theory and framework for systems engineering, which accounts for all phases in the life cycle of a product or service such that rational choices can be make concerning design options even when uncertainty and risk are high. Proposes a definition for the emerging field and the topics it might encompass, shows how several related disciplines interact and overlap with it, sets out management and operating principles, and presents four case studies of their application. A classroom text for engineering students, presumably at the graduate level. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
