A Culture and Change Management Framework to Embrace Model-Based Systems Engineering Practices

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a relatively recent approach to model systems within the systems design lifecycle.  MBSE draws from the Unified Modeling Language (UML) that was used for software development.  The SySML (Systems Modeling) language using nine graphical diagrams that enable integration within and across the models for easier review, improved efficiency, and consistency of modeling.  There are many challenges that are faced when moving from a document-based based systems engineering practice and culture to one that embraces MBSE.  This presentation will discuss the challenges and a framework that addresses both cultural and structural components of moving to MBSE in designing systems.

Dr. Sandy Furterer is a Professor of Practice at The Ohio State University, in the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering.  She has applied Lean Six Sigma, Systems Engineering, and Engineering Management tools in healthcare and other service industries.  She previously managed the Enterprise Performance Excellence center in a healthcare system. Dr. Furterer received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Quality Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2004.  She received an MBA from Xavier University, and a Bachelor and Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University.   She is an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence, Certified Quality Engineer, an ASQ fellow, and a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a Senior Member in IISE, and recent past president in IISE’s Society of Engineering and Management Systems.  

Dr. Furterer is an author or co-author of several academic journal articles, conference proceedings and

8 reference textbooks on Lean Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma, Lean Systems, and Systems Engineering, including being the co-editor for the ASQ CQIA Handbook and the ASQ CMQ/OE Handbook, and the editor of the ASQ CQPA Handbook. Her latest book is Systems Engineering: Holistic Life Cycle Architecture, Modeling and Design with Real-World Application, CRC Press, 2022.  She also wrote the Lean Systems chapter in Maynard's Industrial and Systems Engineering Handbook, Sixth Edition, 2022.  Her latest textbook publication is due in 2025, Engineering Economy Excelerated, Cognella Publishing, 2025.