Developing systems thinking in a Project-Based Learning environment
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/ijee.2.1.63-81
Abstract
As science and engineering projects are becoming increasingly more complex, sophisticated, comprehensive and multidisciplinary, there is a growing need for systems thinking skills to ensure successful project management. Systems thinking plays a major role in the initiation, effective management, and in facilitating inter-organizational tasks.
This research assesses the capacity for engineering systems thinking and its contribution in carrying out a multidisciplinary project. The research also reviews the cognitive process through which systems thinking skill is acquired. The study focused on a group of students who have completed their senior design projects in high-tech industry, while their plans were being integrated into existing larger projects in the respective industrial sites. The systems thinking skill of the students was examined according to a questionnaire for assessing the Capacity for Engineering Systems Thinking (CEST). Statistical analysis shows significant differences in the students capacity for systems thinking at the beginning and end of the work (p<0.001). This research demonstrates that systems thinking skills can be improved through awareness and involvement in multidisciplinary projects.
Keywords
Full Text:
Full Text PDFReferences
Ackermann, F., Alexander, J. (2016). Researching complex projects: Using causal mapping to take a systems perspective. International Journal of Project Management, 34, 891–901.
Barak, M. & Goffer, N. (2002). Fostering Systematic Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving: Lessons Education Can Learn From Industry. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 12 (3), 227-247.
Bredillet, C., (2013). A discourse on the non-method. In: Drouin, N., Müller, R., Sankaran, S. (Eds.), Novel Approaches to Organizational Project Management Research Translational and Transformational. Copenhagen Business School Press, Universitetsforlaget, Copenhagen.
Crawford, A.B., Krajcik, S.J., & Marx, W.R. (1999). Elements of a community of learners in middle school science classroom. Science Education, 83, 701-723.
Davidz, H. (2005). Accelerating the development of senior systems engineers. Paper presented in INCOSE 2005, the 15th International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering. INCOSE: Seattle, WA.
Elata, D. & Garaway, I. (2002). A Creative Introduction to Mechanical
Engineering, Int. J. of Eng. Education, 18 (5).
Fosnot, C.T. (1995). Constructivism Theory, Perspective and practice. pp. 8-33. Teacher College, Columbia University.
Frank, M. (2002). Characteristics of Engineering Systems Thinking – A 3-D Approach for Curriculum Content. IEEE Transaction on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (Part C), vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 203-214.
Frank, M. (2007). Assessing interest for systems engineers job positions – results of a recent study. 5th Annual Conf. on Systems Engineering Research (CSER 2007). Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA, 14-16 March 2007.
Frank, M. Lavy, I., & Elata, D. (2003). Implementing the project-based learning approach in an academic engineering course. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 13(3), 273-288.
Frank, M. & Kordova, S. (2009) Developing the capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST) of senior engineering management students: learning in a project-based learning (PBL) environment. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Conference on Systems Engineering Research 2009 (CSER 2009), Loughborough University, England.
Frank, M., & Waks, S. (2001). Engineering systems thinking: A multifunctional definition. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 14(3), 361-379.
Hill, A. M.: 1999, ‘Community-Based Projects in Technology Education: An Approach for Relevant Learning’ in W. E. Theuerkauf & M. J. Dyrenfurth (eds.), International Perspectives on Technological Education: Outcomes and Futures, Ames, Braunschweig, Germany.
Hill A. M.: 1998, ‘Problem Solving in Real-Life Contexts: Alternatives for Design in Technology Education’, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 8 (3), 203-220.
Hitchins, D. K. (2007). Systems engineering: A 21st century systems methodology. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.
Holmberg, S. (2000). A systems perspective on supply chain measurements. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 30(10), 847-852.
Joham, C., Metcalfe, M., Sastrowardoyo, S. (2009). Project conceptualization using pragmatic methods. International Journal of Project Management, 27, 787–794.
Kapsali, M. (2011). Systems thinking in innovation project management: A match that works. International Journal of Project Management, 29, 396–407.
Kerzner, H. (2006). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlling (9th edition). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Kordova, S. & Frank M. (2010). The T Shape Dilemma (depth versus width) in Education of Industrial Engineering & Management and its Reflection in the Students Team Project, Research Thesis, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology.
Krajcik, J., Czerniak, C. & Berger, C. (1999). Teaching Science: A Project-Based Approach, McGraw-Hill College, New York.
Pollack, J., (2007). The changing paradigms of project management. , 25 (3), 266–274.
Pourdehnad, G., 2007. Synthetic (integrative) project management, an idea whose time has come. , 8 (6), 426–434. Richardson, G.P., V
Richmond, B. (1991) Systems thinking: Four key questions. Watkinsville, GA: High Performance Systems.
Richmond, B. (1994). System dynamics/systems thinking: Let's just get on with it. System Dynamics Review, 10(2-3), 135-157.
Richmond, B. (2000). The "thinking" in systems thinking: Seven essential skills. Waltham, MA: Pegasus.
Senge, P.M. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, N.Y. Doubleday, 1994.
Squires, A., Wade, J., Dominick, P., & Gelosh, D. (2011, April). Building a competency taxonomy to guide experience acceleration of lead program systems engineers. Paper presented at the 9th Annual Conference on Systems Engineering Research, Redondo Beach, CA.
Sterman, J. D. (2000). Business dynamics: Systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Sweeney, L. B., & Sterman, J. D. (2000). Bathtub dynamics: Initial results of a systems thinking inventory. System Dynamics Review, 16(4), 249–286.
Thomas, J. W., A Review of research on Project-Based-Learning. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from http://www.autodesk.com/foundation/pbl/research
 |  |  |  | |
 |  |  |  | |
 |