Lecture 1
Introduction to Systems Engineering
Satish Ukkusuri

Lecture Overview
 Say Cheese!
 Administrivia
 Why are we here? Motivation
 What is Systems Engineering? Example from CEE
 Everyday Examples
 Elements of Systems Problems

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Instructors
 Welcome!!
 Instructor: Satish Ukkusuri

Associate Professor
School of Civil Engineering
Office: CIVL G167D; Office Hours: Thu: 4:30 – 6:00pm
Email: sukkusur@purdue.edu
• Teaching Assistant: Arif Mohaimin Sadri
Office: CIVL 4154; Office Hours: Mon 11-12 and Fri 11-12
Email: asadri@purdue.edu
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CE 398 At a Glance
Tools
• Optimization
• Game Theory
• Multi-Criteria Decision-making
• Network Analysis
• Engineering Economics
• Queuing Analysis

Conceptual Knowledge of Systems Engineering

Applications

• Global Trend
• Sustainability
• Resilience
Project-based
Demonstration
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Administrivia: Course Material
 Reading will be distributed on the Blackboard

 Used to distribute lecture notes, homeworks,

syllabus, solutions, example exams, project guidelines  There is NO textbook for this course. All relevant material will be distributed.
 Prerequisites required: An inquisitive mind,
Basics of calculus and algebra, proficiency with
Excel, GAMS/CPLEX

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Grading Policy
 Two exams in the semester and a cumulative final

exam
 Homeworks will be mainly numerical problems and some conceptual questions
 Two Exams

30% = 15% + 15%

[Tentatively Exam 1: Feb 13, Exam 2: Mar 13]
 Term Project

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15%
Homework
20%
Final Exam
25%
Quizzes/Surveys
7%
Course Feedback Form 3%
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Project Guidelines

 Teams of 7-8 students (about 14 teams). See yourself as the
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consultant on this project
Address a problem of importance in civil engineering
Use systems engineering concepts to demonstrate the interdependence of issues
Apply tools from this course to solve the problem
Provide specific recommendations
Professional Report and Presentation
Grading will be done by the entire class

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Central Question of the Course
How can Civil Engineers make
DECISIONS using an INTEGRATIVE,
HOLISTIC and SUSTAINABLE approach considering ECONOMIC,
SOCIAL, MATERIAL and POLICY considerations? 8

Overview of Course: Philosophy
 Conceptual
 Civil Engineers can fundamentally contribute to grand

challenges in the modern world using integrative approaches
 To effect change, civil engineers require tools to identify “better” notions of design and operations

 Pedagogical
 Civil Engineers are trained in silo approaches (structures,

transportation etc)
 Receive less training on holistic approaches
 Emerging problems such as climate change, sustainability, green design require multidisciplinary approaches
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Overview of Course: Learning Objectives
 Motivate CEE students towards systems engineering

concepts
 Ability to identify different phases of CEE systems development
 Proficiency in various tools related to solving civil systems

engineering problems such as uncertainty analysis, simulation, optimization, network analysis and economic analysis
 Proficiency in assessing sustainability impacts in civil engineering problems
 Ability to understand the planning and operational aspects of civil engineering systems
 Appreciate and develop the ability to apply systems concepts to solve grand challenges such as climate change, sustainability and green design and awareness to policy decisions
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OK. So why do we care? Motivation
 There are global challenges which are

critical issues to solve – grand challenges
 They aren't simply CE or AE or economics or management problems
 These problems require integrative and holistic approaches
 These are “systems” problems
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Motivation II
 NAE Grand Challenges:
 Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure

http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/ cms/8996/9136.aspx  Develop sustainable energy

 Provide access to clean drinking water
 Engineer better medicines

 Develop carbon sequestration methods
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Motivation II
 Critical Challenges