CONFIDENTIAL

FINAL EXAMINATION SEMESTER 2 2012/2013

COURSE CODE

: MNN 1013

COURSE NAME

: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

YEAR/PROGRAM

: 1/ MSc (COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING)

TIME

: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES

DATE

: JUNE 2013

INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer
Compulsory: Questions 1 to 7
AND
Choose Question 8 or Question 9

Please provide the following information:

Name
Passport/ID No
Year/Program
Lecturers Name

THIS PAPER CONSIST OF 3 PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE.

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ANSWER EIGHT (8) QUESTIONS ONLY (80 MARKS)

Compulsory: Questions 1 to 7 AND Choose Question 8 or Question 9
Q1.

Explain systems engineering. Why it is important for the development of a complex

system?
[10 Marks]

Q2.

Complex systems have a hierarchical structure in that they consist of a number of

major interacting elements. Give one example of one complex system, then draw the
hierarchical structure of the example chosen with the elements involved in each level.
[10 Marks]

Q3.

Show the knowledge domains for systems engineer and design specialist. At certain
level of the hierarchy, these knowledge domains overlap, explain why at this
particular level, both knowledge domains for systems engineer and design specialist
overlap.
[10 Marks]

Q4.

Compare between concept exploration and concept definition phases in terms of their
outputs and activities.
[10 Marks]

Q5.

In the development of a major upgrade to a terminal air traffic control system, what
would you expect to be three significant risks and what systems engineering
approaches would you recommend to mitigate each of these risks.

(Consider

problems of failing to meet schedule as well as safety problems)

[10 Marks]
Q6.

External system interfaces are especially important during engineering design. Using
the design of new subway system as an example, list and explain the five (5) types of
external interfaces that will require critical attention.
[10 Marks]

Q7.

In designing system tests, probes are placed at selected internal test points, as well as
at the system outputs, to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of the cause of any
discrepancy. List the considerations that must be applied to the selection of the
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appropriate test points (example what characteristics should be examined). Illustrate

these considerations using the example of testing the anti-lock brake system of an
automobile.
[10 Marks]
Choose Question 8 or Question 9
Q8.

One of the requirements of a good systems engineer who is engaged in developing

systems which have significant components that are manufactured is that he or she be
knowledgeable about factory production and acceptance test processes. Give two
examples that illustrate the importance of this knowledge in achieving on - time
delivery of the final product.
[10 Marks]

Q9.

A group of design engineers, test engineers, and systems engineers are working
together to implement a project. In addition to differences in their responsibilities,
these classes of individuals typically approach their tasks with significantly different
points of view and objectives. Discuss these differences, and emphasize the essential
role that systems engineers play in coordinating the total effort.
[10 Marks]

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