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Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how to use them

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  • Zoe Szajnfarber
  • Erica Gralla

Abstract

This paper discusses the role that qualitative methods can and should play in engineering systems research and lays out the process of doing good qualitative research. As engineering research increasingly focuses on sociotechnical systems, in which human behavior and organizational context play important roles in system behavior, there is an increasing need for the insights qualitative research can provide. This paper synthesizes the literature on qualitative methods and lessons from the authors’ experience employing qualitative methods to study a variety of engineering systems. We hope that by framing the key issues clearly, other engineers who hope to join the qualitative path will build on what we have learned so far to enable greater insight into engineering systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoe Szajnfarber & Erica Gralla, 2017. "Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how to use them," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(6), pages 497-511, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:20:y:2017:i:6:p:497-511
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.21412
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew M. Pettigrew, 1990. "Longitudinal Field Research on Change: Theory and Practice," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(3), pages 267-292, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Erika Palmer & Robert Burton & Cecilia Haskins, 2020. "A Systems Engineering Framework for Bioeconomic Transitions in a Sustainable Development Goal Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Ekundayo Shittu & Geoffrey Parker & Nancy Mock, 2018. "Improving communication resilience for effective disaster relief operations," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 38(3), pages 379-397, September.
    3. Kaplan, Leah & Nurullaeva, Lola & Helveston, John Paul, 2024. "Modeling the operational and labor costs of autonomous robotaxi services," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 108-119.
    4. Amodeo, Domenico C. & Francis, Royce A., 2019. "The role of protocol layers and macro-cognitive functions in engineered system resilience," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 190(C), pages 1-1.

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