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Title: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING -- A BRIDGE BETWEEN CUSTOMER NEEDS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Author
item Shannon, Michael
item SCHNEIDER, SALLY - 5354-10-00
item AMERMAN, CARROLL - 0501-00-00

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: National research priorities are difficult to establish even for simple, well-defined problems. Research problems that address large agricultural systems such as farms and ranches are complex. Historically, research has been conducted on many of the components of these systems and, with the farmer as chief integrator, yields and quality have progressively improved. Recent concerns over agricultural sustainability, environmental pollution, and preservation of natural resources have increased the economic and social constraints surrounding farming systems. Because of these complexities, definition of the customer has become fuzzy. Effective solutions to farm-scale problems require not only new research and development, but also integration with technology. In a research environment of limited resources, systems engineering provides a method to define and quantify requirements, set priorities, assign or redirect resources, and track progress.