Developing training programs for systems architecting

Six years ago the Aerospace Corporation undertook the development of the aerospace systems architecting program. With the passage of several offerings we have learned a number of lessons that apply to the development of programs in systems architecting and to its practice. The course effectively uses an intellectual core of material in ill-structured problem solving and conceptual design to address areas usually regarded as soft or more art than science. While this material is non-traditional for engineering educational programs, often being seen as too soft or non-analytical, it has nevertheless proven possible to teach effectively. The approach to teaching this material has required adaptation over course cycles, but the nature of the adaptations often applies to real business projects as well as education.