645.753.81 - Enterprise Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering
Spring 2025

Description

Enterprise Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary approach to the application of systems engineering principles and systems thinking to large sociotechnical enterprises as complex adaptive systems. Health, energy, food, disaster response, and global transportation systems are all examples of such systems. Systems engineering has been a critical enabler of development, and is key, to addressing the complexities of the evolution of complex systems and systems of systems.?In this course, we explore systems thinking and systems engineering approaches that can be applied to this new class of broad sociotechnical enterprise.? We will examine the characteristics of this class of enterprise and the challenges for applying systems engineering to this type of complex adaptive system. These enterprises are comprised of multiple independent organizations with their own objectives, resources, and authority structures without top-level cross cutting authority and may possess conflicting objectives. A process model will be created to describe the activities of key enterprise elements and interactions which, along with external factors, influence the evolution of such enterprises. This model will be used to understand the current enterprise composition and dynamics and evaluate the impact of issues or actions as the basis for systems engineering trades or recommendations.

Instructors

Profile photo of Janice Ziarko.

Janice Ziarko

jziarko1@jhu.edu

Default placeholder image. No profile image found for Judith Dahmann.

Judith Dahmann

jdahmann@MITRE.org

Course Structure

The course map and format are presented in the Course Introduction Lesson during the first week of each semester.  Lessons and assignments are organized by 14-week Fall/Spring semesters and 12-week summer semesters.   The Course Schedule lists lecture dates and due dates for Assignments. 

The course content is divided into modules. A Module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. Students are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted on the Course Outline page. Students should regularly check the Course Outline or Calendar for assignment due dates.

This is a seminar- based course where your research efforts contribute directly to individual and team assignments. Office hours will be held each week during the first half of the semester and will transition into online team facilitated sessions during the second half of the semester. 

In the second half of the semester, a high level of engagement will be required for discussion and product creation for the project, informed by the research of each team member during the first half of the semester.

Course Topics

Module

Topics

Module 1

Introduction to ESE   Lectures:

1.1 ESE Course introduction

1.2 Independent Research and Advanced SE Concepts

 1.3 Socio-Technical Enterprises as Systems: Definition and Characteristics

1.4 Homework 1 Introduction

 

Module 2

Understanding Enterprises as Systems     Lectures:

2.1 Socio-Technical Enterprise Characteristics and Challenges

2.2 Socio-Technical Enterprises: Examples and Principles

2.3 Socio-Technical Enterprises: Comparisons to SE of Engineered Systems

Module 3

Critical Thinking and ESE      Lectures:

3.1 Defining Critical Thinking

3.2 Opinions, Beliefs. And Knowledge

3.3 Barriers to Critical Thinking

3.4 Homework 2 Introduction

Module 4

 

Systems Thinking and Enterprise Applications     Lectures:

4.1   Systems Thinking Concepts

4.2   Systems Thinking and ESE

4.3   Systems Thinking Methods

 

Module 5

 

Process Modeling as an ESE Tool   Lectures:

5.1   Foundations of Models

5.2 Developing a Process Model

5.3   Applying Process Models to Enterprise Problems

5.4 Homework 3 Introduction

 

Module 6

Complex Adaptive Systems

6.1 Characteristics of Complex Adaptive Systems

6.2 Applying Complex Adaptive System Concepts to ESE

6.3 Project Introduction

 

Module 7

ESE Project Examples     Lectures:

7.1 Steps in the Project

7.2 Project Examples – Selecting and Characterizing an Enterprise

7.3 Project Examples – Process Model

7.4 Project Examples – Critical Assessments and Lessons Learned

7.5 ESE Course Exam Intr

 

Module 8

 

Instructor Facilitated Project work begins

Select and describe an Enterprise.

Teams select and describe an enterprise for the group project

Module 9

 

 Define and Characterize activities of key elements in the enterprise to create an ESE process model,

Teams develop a process model of their selected enterprise.

Module 10

 

Continue to develop the ESE process model for the selected enterprise.

Teams develop a process model for their selected enterprise.

Module 11

 

Develop process model to address enterprise problems identified for the user of the model.

Teams develop a process model of their selected enterprise

Teams define the purpose and user of the ESE process model

Module 12

Apply the ESE process model to the selected problem set and assess the utility of the model.

Teams apply the process model to a selected problem set

Module 13

Group Project Report and Team/Self-Assessment  

Module 14

Team Presentations

Course Goals

Establish a working definition of a broad socio-technical enterprise as a system to create an enterprise systems engineering process model which addresses enterprise-level challenges.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course. 

Other Materials & Online Resources

Materials provided online will suffice for independent research.  References are provided as a “start-up” resource to assist students with their research efforts.

Required Software

Microsoft Office, Zoom. To access Zoom Office Hour sessions, click on Zoom link in Canvas or dial in by phone.  

Student Coursework Requirements

This course consists of FIVE basic student requirements to complete the course, detailed on the next few pages.  Final grades will be determined by the following weighting for each of the five basic student requirements.

 

Item

Grade Item

% of Grade

1

Participation and Preparation

Quizzes (0.5 % each, 6 automated Quizzes)

Discussion Questions (5% each, 4 discussions)

3%

20%

2

Homework (10% each, 3 assignments)

30%

3

Examination (1 exam)

12%

4

Group Project (1 report and 1 presentation)

30%

5

Teamwork - Team Member and Self- Assessment

5%

LATE SUBMISSIONS: Notify the instructors BEFORE the due date to avoid penalties.  Include the reason, circumstances, and assignment submission date.

REFERENCES: Throughout this course, you will be accessing e-reserves and citing sources for your assignments. Be sure to capture the following information:

 See the Sheridan Library web site for specifics on a variety of citation styles.

 

1. Preparation and Participation

(23% of Final Grade = 3% for SIX Quizzes and 20% for FOUR Discussions)

Quizzes (Modules 1 through 6)

Quizzes test your understanding of topics presented in recorded lectures and content of a module in the first half of the course. Quizzes are automated and consist of multiple-choice questions, with weighting of questions detailed in the quiz.  Late penalty is 5 points per week.

Discussions (Modules 1, 3, 5, and 7)

Discussions are an opportunity to examine the topic through interaction with your colleagues in this course. Sharing your lessons learned, experiences, and research sources provide the entire class with a broader perspective of the topics discussed.

Students are expected to submit a "significant" initial posting and responses to colleagues that are clear, succinct, and rich in insights. Positions, opinions, and assertions are supported by citing real-world experiences or authoritative sources (knowledge-based). 

Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient.  Interact with your classmates though a detailed response to their initial posting. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates in a respectful manner.  

Timeliness and critical thinking are assessed.  Your colleagues need enough time to respond to your initial post.  Address the discussion question or topic with insights and analysis and cite work experience and sources.  Postings are not accepted after 2 weeks.

Each discussion question consists of two parts.

Part one (50% of your grade) is your initial response to the discussion question by the day 4 for that module week.  Late penalty is 5 points per week. 

Part two (50% of your grade) is interaction. Respond to at least TWO classmate postings by day 7 of that module week.  Late penalty is 5 points per week. 

2. Homework Assignments (30% of Final Grade - 10% each)

Each student is required to complete all homework assignments to earn a course grade. Homework is submitted in softcopy by uploading on-line on the date due.

Homework assignments will be evaluated and graded on a scale of 0 to 100.

Specific requirements and grading criteria are documented in a grading rubric provided with each homework assignment.

Late assignments will be reduced by 10 points per week late.

If, after submitting a written assignment you are not satisfied with the grade received, you are encouraged to resubmit it. If the resubmission results in a better grade, that grade will be substituted for the previous grade.

3. Exam (12% of Final Grade)

One examination will be given. Assignments are submitted in softcopy by uploading on-line on the date due.

The course exam will be evaluated and graded on a scale of 0 to 100. 

Specific expectations and grading criteria are documented in the exam grading rubric which will be used to provide feedback for each part of the assignment.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

4.  Group Project (30% of Final Grade)

The Group Project will require students to apply the skills developed throughout the course to the development of an Enterprise Systems Engineering process model.   Each team will deliver a final project report and a presentation. Submit the final report and presentation in softcopy by uploading to Canvas. 

The project will be evaluated and graded on a scale of 0 to 100. 

Specific expectations are documented in the project description which includes a grading rubric used to provide feedback for each part of the project.  

All team members are expected to contribute to the project.  Individual participation will impact the grade of each team member and may result in a higher or lower grade based on the quality and level of participation.

Late submissions of the Group Project Report and Presentation will not be accepted.

5. Teamwork - Team/Self-Assessment (5% of Final Grade)

Team /Self-Assessment Forms evaluate each student's contribution to the Group Project based on four elements, each 25% of the grade:

1) Team member ratings of student performance,

2) Instructor rating of student performance,

3) Student's assessment of each team member, and

4) Student's own self-assessment.

Teamwork: Team / Self-Assessment Form

Students rate the performance and contributions of each team member, including a self- assessment, based on the FIVE factors listed belowLate submissions are not accepted.

Ratings are on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest rating: Students rate each team member and themselves using the following scale:

1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), 4 (very good) and 5 (excellent).

 

Comments must offer thoughtful, constructive feedback to explain ratings, describing the strengths and weaknesses of each team member being assessed and in a self-assessment.   

1. Availability - Presence in communications, product reviews, and meetings; team is notified in advance if not available; timely response to emails and calls.

2. Product quality - Product was adequate upon team review with little re-work required.

3. Product timeliness - Product submitted on time per the schedule or adjusted schedule.

4. Product quantity - Fair share of the work, stepped up to the plate to fill in the gaps.

5. Overall contribution - Solid contributor to the team effort.

  

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to dates posted on the Canvas Course Outline.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course, all aspects of assignments and discussion every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work.

EP uses a +/- grading system. See Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10.

 

 Score Range

Letter Grade

97% and 100%

A+

93% and Less Than 97%

A

90% and Less Than 93%

A-

87% and Less Than 90%

B+

83% and Less Than 87%

B

80% and Less Than 83%

B-

70% and Less Than 80%

C

63% and Less Than 70%

D

0% and Less Than 63%

F

 

Course Evaluation

Assignments are due according to dates posted on the Canvas Course Outline.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course, all aspects of assignments and discussion every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work.

EP uses a +/- grading system. See Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10.

 

 Score Range

Letter Grade

97% and 100%

A+

93% and Less Than 97%

A

90% and Less Than 93%

A-

87% and Less Than 90%

B+

83% and Less Than 87%

B

80% and Less Than 83%

B-

70% and Less Than 80%

C

63% and Less Than 70%

D

0% and Less Than 63%

F

 

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.