The handbook is written and edited to serve as a university reference handbook in systems engineering and management. It is primarily focused on systems engineering and systems management for fielding systems of all types, especially systems that are information technology and software intensive and that involve human and organizational elements. The role of these systems to produce high reliability, and quality services and products is stressed. The role of advanced information technologies in enhancing productivity and quality is also discussed. By focusing on systems engineering processes and systems management, the editors continue to produce a long lasting handbook that will make a difference in the design of systems of all types that are large in scale and/or scope.

Andrew P. Sage is a University Professor and the Founding Dean Emeritus of the School of Information Technology & Engineering at George Mason University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).

William B. Rouse is a Professor and former School Chair of the Stewart School of ISyE. He stepped down from his duties as School Chair in 2005 to become the Founding Director of the Tennenbaum Institute. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering as well as a Fellow of IEEE, INCOSE, INFORMS, and the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (HFES).