The system engineering process

System engineering is part of the whole engineering process; a managed process, laying down concepts, processes, organisations and management structures which other parts of engineering support. System engineering is distinguished from systems engineering so that engineering management is clear over what system engineering is for (why system engineering?), what it does, how it does it and what it uses. In addressing these issues, a framework is established aiding both system engineering and engineering management. Overall, system engineering is shown to be a goal directed process set in a business opportunity environment, driven by market requirements and addressing issues of customer and end-user need. This process has implications for educating system engineers and engineering managers. System engineering is particularly relevant to the Asia-Pacific region as an emerging trend influencing global engineering management.