Why INCOSE?

Can you even pronounce it (in-ko-se)? Has a catchy name, but what really is INCOSE about? It’s an engineering networking organization with both like-minded and diverse minded professionals who come together to foster and promote the “art and science” of Systems Engineering (SE).

You may ask, what is Systems Engineering or what is a Systems Engineer? There’s different interpretations and perceptions out there in industry. In the information technology (IT) sector, a Systems Engineer is traditionally known as a System Administrator. Another misconception is the notion of a Systems Engineer who’s only concern is requirements development and management. Nothing can be further from the truth! INCOSE’s official definition from the Systems Engineering Handbook (A Guide for System Lifecycle Processes and Activities):
 

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem: operations, cost and schedule, performance, training and support, test, manufacturing and disposal. System engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. Systems engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs … Certain key words emerge from this sampling - interdisciplinary, iterative, sociotechnical, and wholeness. The SE perspective is based on systems thinking. System thinking is a unique perspective on reality - a perspective that sharpens our awareness of wholes and how the parts within those wholes interrelate.

Wow, now that’s a mouthful but enough with the “official” definition of SE. Another interpretation is the fact modern systems and the integration of system-of-systems (SoS) has become a difficult and many times a painful task due to the complexity of these systems, subsystems, and components (i.e. hardware, software, middleware). This complexity happens throughout the life cycle of a project (CONOPS, requirements, design, development, integration, testing, verification, validation, deployment, logistics, and product support – and the list goes on) with systems engineering having a critical contribution. With the exponential growth in technology, this complexity will forever continue to challenge the SE community to design and manage these complex systems. As anybody knows, the better job you do up front will result in significant savings, return-on-investment (ROI), and a satisfied customer(s) in the end.

An individual and team who tackles these challenges needs the knowledge, skills, and help from others (INCOSE) to stay sharp and focused. This is where INCOSE comes to the rescue since our organization promotes and facilitates the SE body of knowledge by our published books and manuals (many free of charge with membership), provides training, and manages networking events (monthly membership meetings, socials, tutorials, and conferences). Our membership is here to help and we’re eager to answer questions on SE, and point you in the right direction. Please join us at our events this year or contact us by phone or email. The more you get connected, the more you will benefit and enjoy the SE journey. The San Diego Chapter welcomes you and your participation this year!

Best Wishes,

Ted Mulder
President, INCOSE San Diego Chapter

 
Software Process Dynamics:Assessing and Optimizing Software Development Strategies
Wednesday, March 21, 5:30 - 7pm. The first 1/2 hour is for networking and dinner. An optional buffet (Italian food) is $10 members/$15 non-members.
Where: Filippi’s Restaurant in Kearny Mesa. 5353 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. (Google Maps)
Presenter:  Dr Ray Madachy
Webcasting: This will be our first meeting to offer webcasting. We will use the GlobalMeet software and will begin broadcasting about 5:55pm. Please see the website for specific instructions and note that you will be required to load a browser plug-in or download software (please plan on logging in early to take care of this).
Synopsis: This presentation will overview software process dynamics modeling for assessing and optimizing software development strategies. It explains how simulation of interrelated technical and social factors can provide a means for understanding and improving processes. RSVP
 
A Better Brew – Benefits of Applying Systems Engineering in the Beer Industry (on location!)
Wednesday, April 18, 5:30 - 8:30pm. The first hour is for networking and dinner. An optional buffet is $10 members/$15 non-members and will include Persian food. Alcohol can be purchased on location. This event includes a free tour of the brewery after the presentation.
Where: White Labs Brewery, 9495 Candida St, San Diego, CA 92126 (Google Maps)
Presenter: Mr. Tim Heath
Webcasting: We will use the GlobalMeet software and will begin broadcasting approximately 6:25pm. Please see the website for specific instructions and note that you will be required to load a browser plug-in or download software (please plan on logging in early to take care of this).
Synopsis: This presentation will show how we apply systems engineering processes to design and manufacture custom brewing equipment to meet the needs of brewers. It will also detail how the systems engineering process is applied to the development of hardware-centric platforms. RSVP


Software Defined Systems: A Tutorial on Software Communications Architecture (SCA) V4.1
May 2018 (exact date TBD)
Synopsis: INCOSE San Diego will be hosting a 4-hour tutorial in May 2018 on software-defined radios and the Software Communication Architecture (SCA). This architecture has been mandated for usage on all new DoD radios and is currently being adapted by militaries (and other agencies) of countries around the world. This tutorial will focus on the systems engineeing aspects of the benefits, challenges, understanding and implementation of the SCA. Price has not yet been set but will be very affordable and shall include breakfast pasteries and lunch. This tutorial will be held in San Diego. Specifics will follow in email and on the chapter website.


2018 Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER)
May 8-9, 2018
Systems in Context. Research panels and papers on the topics that support systems in context research. Held at the University of Virginia. Please see the flyer HERE.

  Wednesday, June 20, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Where: Filippi’s Restaurant in Kearny Mesa. 5353 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. (Google Maps)
Presenter:  Mr.  Ian Kilgour, PE
Webcasting: This meeting will also be webcast.
Signup is forthcoming.


2018 INCOSE International Symposium
July 7-12, 2018
INCOSE's 2018 international symposium will be held in Washington D.C. from July 7th-12th. This is INCOSE's flagship event for systems engineers worldwide, hosted in our nation's capitol, so you may want to start making your plans now. DETAILS

  Wednesday, July 18, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Where: Filippi’s Restaurant in Kearny Mesa. 5353 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. (Google Maps)
Presenter:  JD Baker
Webcasting: This meeting will also be webcast.
Signup is forthcoming.


2018 Western Regional States Conference (WSRC)
Sept 20-22, 2018
The Wasatch Chapter of INCOSE is hosting this first annual regional conference, serving the systems engineering communities from the Front Range in Colorado to the Pacific Coast. The conference will feature technical presentations, working groups, and panel discussions, with more activities being planned. This will be a great opportunity for high quality learning, networking, collaborating – all close to home in the majestic Wasatch Mountains. The venue is the Orbital ATK Conference Center, located in scenic Ogden Canyon – just an hour north of Salt Lake City International Airport. This event is now accepting calls for papers HERE!
 

The STEM Teacher Grant Team is pleased to announce that Cubic Corporation has once again contributed $5,500 to our STEM Teacher Grant Program. Thank you Cubic!!!

With the Cubic donation, we were able to make grants to 6 more SD County STEM Teachers. This brings the total grants for 2017 to $9,500 going to 11 teachers/schools. The schools are from across the county from Oceanside to southern San Diego.

Over the past 6 years SD INCOSE and the INCOSE Foundation have made grants to about 80 teachers totaling more than $70K. The grants have supported STEM teaching to about 3500- 4000 students.

The SD INCOSE Board is very thankful to all of our 2017 contributors including Cubic, ViaSat, and a number of donations from our SD INCOSE members and friends.

All SD INCOSE members are invited to get involved with this important and meaningful program. If interested, please contact Jim Gottfried at gottjim50@gmail.com or at 619-540-3830. You can support this effort with just a minimal amount of time.
 

2017 INCOSE San Diego STEM Event at Legoland

Successful January 2018 Social and Membership Drive Event
 

The San Diego Chapter of INCOSE hosted its annual holiday social the evening of 17 January 2018 at Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company in Carmel Mountain Ranch. A good time was had by all. Seriously, the pizza and salad and appetizers (and brews) were excellent and disappeared quickly before being replenished. A lot of one-on-one and small-group networking and socializing took place throughout the evening. If you missed it we hope you’ll join at our next year’s social, and many of the other events we have planned this year.

We also conducted some business, namely the acknowledgement of and thanks to our 2017 board and installment and presentation of the new chapter board members – see if you can follow the past vs elect vs past-elect vs future-past titles :)

Returning Board Members:
 

New Board Members:
 

Retiring Board Members:
 

Many thanks to those serving on the 2017 Board of Directors, some for years, and Welcome! new 2018 Board members.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we received requests from four attendees for information about joining INCOSE, of which all subsequently joined our chapter. Welcome!

We hope to see you all at our 2018 dinner meetings, tutorial(s), STEM celebration event, mini-conference, and holiday social.

Richard Bryson
Past-President

INCOSE San Diego is pleased to welcome the following new members representing the following companies to our chapter:
 

• Marc Henderson, George Washington University
• Annarita Tan, Cubic Corporation
• Glennmark Tan, Cubic Corporation
• Travis Wilkie, United States Air Force Academy
• Andrew Hellen, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
• Ian Kilgour, IBI Group
• Michael Godfrey, Viasat
• John Hedrick, U.S. Navy
• Joe Pitman
• Gary Saner, Primero Systems
• Frank Lacson, AUSGAR Technologies
• Andrew Clapp, General Atomics
• Tamim Akimi, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Sarah Thomas, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Alan Kolackovsky, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Matthew Ondriezek, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Trish Davis, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Donovan Green, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Katherine Maddalena, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Jonathan Hodapp, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Jessica Schmidt, Booz Allen Hamilton
• David Nacario, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Orlando Uribe, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
• Jacob Nickless, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Anthony Wegner, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR)
• Keith Wyshak, Illumina Inc.
• Allan Alfafara, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Please introduce yourself to a new member at one of our events!

Mark Halverson Receives the Jeff Grady Award


Jim Gottfried and Mark Halverson

Last month, the San Diego chapter awarded Mark Halverson the Jeff Grady Award for outstanding service and commitment to the San Diego Chapter.

If you do not know about the Jeff Grady Award, it was created in the name of another outstanding Systems Engineer and longtime INCOSE member - see Jeff's Biography. While Jeff's achievements are too numerous to list in this short space, we are proud to honor both his memory and the awarding of his namesake award to Mark Halverson for 13 years of dedicated service to the San Diego board. All board members are volunteers, and during his tenure Mark served many roles to include 2015 Chapter President. Mark retired from the board in Jan 2018, but will remain an active member; please congratulate Mark when you see him at one of our many chapter events!

Planting a Seed?  SD INCOSE at Engineering Week
 

 

Abbas Rostami and Jim Gottfried

In keeping with our tradition of supporting science and engineering in San Diego, SD INCOSE recently participated in the San Diego County Engineering Council (SDCEC) Engineering Week banquet, where we presented our chapter's mission to current students and new professionals.

The INCOSE stand gathered considerable interest, which let us hone our description of systems engineering! (... read the top article from the President). We hope to continue participating for many years to come.

Merging User Experience and Systems Engineering by Janet M. Six
How Risk-Driven Systems Engineering Will Keep Car Control Systems Safe and Secure by Anthony Martin
Technical Debt: A Systems Perspective by Kelsey van Haaster
 

INCOSE Everywhere

Please see us at the following links:

INCOSE San Diego Website
INCOSE San Diego Chapter LinkedIn
(Big) INCOSE LinkedIn