WTI

UTC WTI System Engineering and Integration of Transportation Technology Program (SEITTP)

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. WTI Systems Engineering and Integration of Transportation Technology Program (SEITTP) Feasibility Study, Phase 2
   1. Leann A. F. Koon, Douglas Galarus, Mitchell K. Hobish
   2. 4W1930_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

This project is the second phase of the study examining the establishment of the WTI Systems Engineering and Integration of Transportation Technology Program (SEITTP). The purpose of this project is to address the decisions reached in the initial feasibility study conducted in Phase 1 and the development and status of the current systems engineering program area at WTI.

Project Abstract

The purpose of Phase 1 of this project, conducted over the previous three years, was to determine the feasibility of a systems engineering and integration program at the Western Transportation Institute (WTI). The primary outcome was a concept document that defined the mission and possible application of such a program. This document indicated that a systems engineering and integration program area within WTI was indeed feasible and potentially had the interest and support of several stakeholders. Many possible project applications were identified. Following the creation of the concept document, projects emerged, staff members were hired, and a formal program area was established. The strategic plan for the WTI Systems Engineering, Development and Integration group incorporates many of the original principles of the concept document. However, now is a prudent time to compare the current program with the intent expressed in the concept document. The purpose of this Phase 2 project is to conduct an informal evaluation to determine how to proceed with the program from this point forward. Specific objectives are to: 1) Review, analyze, and summarize the work done through Phase 1 of the Systems Engineering and Integration of Transportation Technology (SEITTP) feasibility study. 2) Evaluate the initiation, evolution, and status of the current Systems Engineering, Development and Integration program area within WTI. This includes an overview and discussion of current projects and facilities. 3) Gather and compile perspectives on Phase 1 of this project and the subsequent implementation of the WTI Systems Engineering, Development and Integration program area. Views from the inside (WTI personnel, MSU COE faculty), outside (independent, un-biased expert), and from stakeholders (Montana Department of Transportation, California Department of Transportation) will be expressed. 4) Compare and contrast the original intent and concept of the SEITTP with the current Systems Engineering, Development and Integration program within WTI. 5) Outline a future vision for the Systems Engineering Development and Integration program area at WTI.

Task Descriptions

1. Project Management
   1. This involves regular communication between the members of the project team, including the investigators, subcontractor, and technical writer. Project meetings will be held as necessary. Preliminary reports and other documentation will be developed in preparation for a project final report, a document which will address the entire project and be submitted at the conclusion of the project.
2. Development and Status of Current Program
   1. The initiation and subsequent progression of the Systems Engineering Development and Integration program area within WTI will be described by the project team.
3. Independent View from the Outside
   1. WTI will subcontract with an independent expert to review and evaluate the progression of this project from the original vision and mission for a Center of Excellence for Systems Engineering and Integration to its current implementation as a program area within WTI.
4. Summary of Prior Work
   1. The project team will review and summarize the work accomplished during the first phase. This work includes outreach to MSU College of Engineering (COE) faculty, concept development and refinement, and a program feasibility study.
5. Next Steps for the Program
   1. The project team will outline the future vision for the Systems Engineering Development and Integration program area at WTI.
6. View from the Inside
   1. WTI personnel and COE faculty who took part in the concept development phase and/or have or are currently working with or as a part of the WTI Systems Engineering program area will be asked to provide a brief perspective on their experiences with this project, including recent efforts and opinions about the future of the program area.
7. Stakeholders’ Perspectives
   1. Comments will be gathered from individuals outside of WTI or the COE who have worked on projects with the WTI Systems Engineering group. Stakeholders include the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).
8. Overall Summary
   1. The project team will produce a final report that documents WTI’s experience in developing and implementing a systems engineering approach to transportation research through the SEITTP.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Systems Engineering, Systems Integration, Systems Development

Partners

The USDOT/Research and Innovative Technologies Administration, Office of Research, Development & Technology is a partner of the Systems Engineering Development and Integration program area.