Wondering what to read next? Ready to stimulate your brain with topics ranging from systems engineering to artificial intelligence? You’ve come to the right place.
This summer, we asked our MIT xPRO faculty for a list of readings that have impacted them and that MIT xPRO learners would benefit from checking out. They shared many great texts, from articles and essays to books and handbooks.
Get ready to find your next fulfilling read…
Lead instructor of MIT xPRO’s four-course program, Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods to Manage Complex Systems.
This handbook “brings together diverse domains and technical competences of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into a single, comprehensive publication.” Dr. Cameron co-wrote the chapter “Model-Based System Architecting and Decision-Making,” which “explore[s] the application of MBSE for conceptual system architecting.”
“This paper provides an updated comparison of four of the largest LEO mega-constellations, namely Telesat’s, OneWeb’s, SpaceX’s, and Amazon’s, in terms of throughput estimation.”
Lead instructor of MIT xPRO’s project management course, Managing Complex Projects and Organizations for Success.
This book discusses in vivid and historically accurate language the competition between airships (mainly the "Zeppelins") and fixed-wing aircraft as a means of long-distance transportation for mail, cargo, and especially human paying passengers.
At that time, it was not yet clear which modality of aircraft would eventually prevail. The author does a fantastic job explaining not only the economic and political but also the complex engineering and systems issues involved in creating and operating these complex flying machines.
This major reference work recently published by Springer Nature is probably the most comprehensive modern treatise on Engineering Systems and Design since the famous 1980s work by Pahl and Baitz. This epic book contains over 30 chapters on Requirements, Complexity, Technological Evolution, and many other key topics. It is required reading for anyone interested in or responsible for complex systems.
Lead instructor of MITx PRO’s Additive Manufacturing for Innovative Design and Production course.
Renowned entrepreneur and venture investor Marc Andreesen’s essay discusses the importance of building the physical world (and manufacturing) to meet the needs of our everyday lives.
Harvard Professor Rebecca M. Henderson’s article explains the concept of Architectural Innovation and argues for the relevance of building teams and organizations with an authentic purpose to tackle challenges from manufacturing to building diversity.
Faculty director of MIT xPRO’s Quantum Computing Fundamentals program.
“This article examines the way quantum computers will not only upend digital security but spur investment, reshape industries, and spark innovation.”
Lead instructor of MIT xPRO’s Quantitative Methods in Systems Engineering course.
“The purpose of the ‘Systems Engineering Vision 2035’ is to inspire and guide the strategic direction of systems engineering across diverse stakeholder communities.
Instructor of MIT xPRO’s System Thinking course.
Professor Rus suggests the following references related to the broader AI context (which is impacting everyone and everything, including AI-driven computational design):
Lead instructor of MIT xPRO’s five-week course, System Thinking.
This MIT Sloan Management Review article outlines a vital skill for all managers, executives, and people in every walk of life: problem definition.
This article uses system dynamics tools to describe the “capability trap” facing so many organizations today—and how to escape it.
Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and there is such learning potential contained in these recommended readings. We hope you enjoy reading them.
If you’d like to continue your learning in an online classroom setting, be sure to check out the MIT xPRO courses taught by the instructors who contributed to this article. Browse the course catalog here!