To begin with the analysis of the linguistic meaning of the word engineering, this paper points the essence and characters of systems engineering (SE) on the basis of the difference between science, technology and engineering. The paper also summarizes the definition of SE applied in the engineering projects developing man-made systems, elaborates on the relationship and difference between SE and project management, explains the implication of various arguments about SE. This paper will help catch the essence of SE accurately which may contribute to the research and application of SE at present.

engineering  /  systems engineering  /  project management