Human Systems Integration Division @ NASA Ames

Program Systems Engineering applies the principles of Systems Engineering at the program level. Space programs are composed of interrelated elements which can include collections of projects, advanced technologies, information systems, etc. Some program elements are outside traditional engineering’s physical systems, such as education and public outreach, public relations, resource flow, and interactions within the political environments.

Program Engineering supports decisions and directions of Program Management, from managing and analyzing program information to identifying priorities and imperatives for actions. We made a theoretical framework to model the major components of a Program and their inter-relationships. Applying the model to real-world programs yields benefits in visibility and integration of program elements throughout the Program lifecycle.

Like other engineering disciplines, Program Engineering applies scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends. This discipline, however, includes additional math (statistics, economics) and sciences (management, social sciences, psychology) to accomplish this practical work with the non-physical components of a Program. While this paper is really a process overview, with an explanation of how the discipline is being developed at JPL, we also promise future research results on the effectiveness of Program Engineering.