Survey Report: Improving Integration of Program Management and Systems Engineering

Abstract

For many years, a cultural barrier has existed between practitioners of systems engineering and of program management. Some systems engineers and program managers have developed the mindset that their work activities are separate from each other rather than part of an organic whole. Consequently, work often costs more, takes longer, and provides a suboptimal solution for the customer or end user. The leaders of INCOSE and PMI believe this cultural barrier and mindset can and must be overcome. By working together, the organizations hope to foster a team approach that will benefit their members and their organizations, and ultimately the stakeholders who depend on them. The survey findings reported in this whitepaper highlight 4 key elements to reduce unproductive tension between program managers and system engineers and support the integration of these roles: 1. Use standards from both domains; 2. Formally define the integration of the roles; 3. Conducted integrated program assessments; and 4. Share responsibilities in select key areas.