Systems engineering and information technology: catalysts for total quality in industry and education

A broad, somewhat personal view of the role of systems engineering and systems management is provided, with major support from information technology products and services, as catalysts for needed changes now and in the 21st century. The focus is on quality improvement and productivity, especially productivity through systems engineering. US industrial productivity needs are discussed, with special reference to related issues of quality and productivity in higher education in general, and engineering education in particular. An overview of and a perspective on a large number of contemporary studies are provided. These include: productivity, total quality management, organizational cultures, professionalism, higher education, and engineering. The perspective is highly systems-engineering oriented. A number of general suggestions are made relative to implementation of needed actions and obtaining needed results