CSEP study plan
CSEP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
General Systems Engineering
Define systems engineering and distinguish it from related disciplines using INCOSE terminology
Diagram the system life cycle stages and map typical activities to each stage
Compare at least three system life cycle models (waterfall, V-model, incremental, spiral) and state when each is appropriate
Explain the role of the system boundary, environment, and interfaces in defining a system
Your checkpoint
A one-page concept map linking systems engineering definitions, life cycle stages, and at least three life cycle models with brief use-case notes.
General Systems Engineering
Apply functional decomposition to a simple system and produce a hierarchy of functions
Construct a system architecture view (logical and physical) for a chosen example
Describe the purpose and content of the system architecture description and interface definition
Identify at least five specialty engineering disciplines (e.g., reliability, maintainability, safety) and their integration points
Your checkpoint
A functional decomposition and architecture diagram for a home automation or similar system, with a short narrative explaining the allocation of functions to physical elements.
Requirements and Architecture
Classify requirements as functional, performance, interface, and constraint, and write one example of each
Evaluate requirements for characteristics such as unambiguous, verifiable, and traceable, and rewrite poorly written requirements
Explain the role of the requirements traceability matrix and construct a sample for a small set of requirements
Describe the process of requirements elicitation, analysis, and validation
Your checkpoint
A requirements specification excerpt containing at least 10 well-formed requirements with a traceability matrix linking them to stakeholder needs and verification methods.
Requirements and Architecture
Differentiate between architectural and detailed design, and describe the inputs and outputs of each
Apply architectural frameworks (e.g., DoDAF, TOGAF, or UAF) at a conceptual level to describe a system
Explain how requirements flow down to architecture and how architecture decisions affect requirements
Identify at least three architecture trade-off techniques (e.g., ATAM, CBAM) and their purpose
Your checkpoint
A short architecture decision record (ADR) for a sample system that documents a key trade-off, the alternatives considered, and the rationale, linked to relevant requirements.
Verification and Validation
Distinguish between verification and validation and give examples of each
Describe verification methods (inspection, analysis, demonstration, test) and select appropriate methods for given requirements
Explain the V-model relationship between development and verification activities
Outline the contents of a verification and validation plan
Your checkpoint
A V&V plan outline for a simple system that includes verification methods for each requirement, validation activities, and acceptance criteria.
Verification and Validation
Design a test case for a given requirement, including preconditions, inputs, and expected results
Describe the role of integration, verification, and validation in the system life cycle
Explain how to use traceability to ensure coverage of requirements by verification activities
Identify common pitfalls in verification and validation and propose mitigations
Your checkpoint
A set of at least five test cases with traceability to requirements, plus a coverage analysis showing which requirements are verified and which are not.
Systems Engineering Management
Describe the purpose and components of a systems engineering management plan (SEMP)
Explain risk management processes, including risk identification, assessment, and mitigation
Outline the elements of a project schedule and how to integrate systems engineering activities
Describe configuration management and its role in controlling changes
Your checkpoint
A risk register with at least five risks, their likelihood and impact ratings, and mitigation actions, plus a brief SEMP outline.
Systems Engineering Management
Explain the role of measurement and metrics in systems engineering management
Describe the process of technical reviews and audits (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR) and their objectives
Outline the principles of integrated product teams and collaborative working
Integrate concepts from all domains by reviewing a case study and identifying management decisions that influenced outcomes
Your checkpoint
A one-page summary of a real or hypothetical project case study that identifies key management decisions, their impact on requirements, architecture, and V&V, and lessons learned.
Milestones
Week 2: Complete a 30-question self-assessment quiz on General Systems Engineering concepts, scoring at least 80%.
Week 4: Complete a 30-question self-assessment quiz on Requirements and Architecture, scoring at least 80%.
Week 6: Complete a 30-question self-assessment quiz on Verification and Validation, scoring at least 80%.
Week 8: Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions, scoring at least 75% overall and at least 70% in each domain.