Research
Pulsed is driving research in the field of systems thinking through its dedicated research Special Interest Group (SIG). Led by research experts Stella Lo Giudice and Jeroen Keijzers, this dynamic program engages Pulsed teachers in the execution and transfer of the outcomes of this research. The SIG is aligned with the HTSM Centre of Expertise of Fontys School of Engineering.
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Simultaneously, we constantly reflect on our roles of today and the future. What characterizes the system engineer of the future? And how should our approach change to this unstoppable evolution of needs and challenges?
Research is the backbone of our organization. Through thorough exploration, we investigate new ways and possibilities of engineering. We gather input from our industrial partners and collaborate with them on industry-powered projects. We repeat and re-evaluate our findings through fundamental research. We improve our educational offer by integrating our conclusions into our curriculum. And then we start all over again.
Other academies still encourage and teach students to break complex situations into smaller pieces to make them more comprehensible: the method of analytical, dissective thinking. At Fontys Pulsed Academy, we do things differently. Not necessarily to be disruptive but primarily because we're convinced our approach is better. We want to leverage new ways of thinking to address complex unseparable problems.
"Why?" you might (and should!) ask. Well, the method of analytical, dissective thinking has one significant disadvantage. It ignores relationships between system components, while precisely those relationships often dominate the system's behaviour.
At Fontys Pulsed Academy, we encourage socio-technical systems thinking. This new approach highlights the relationship between the system's elements and considers technical parts and people-centered analysis.
Through this innovation development tool, we constantly ask ourselves questions such as: what are the critical elements of a socio-technical systems thinking approach? And: How can (socio-technical) systems thinking be applied in modern (high-tech) industry and education to address complex societal challenges?
As a digital technology engineer eager to shape the future, you must be in the know of societal and global changes. This responsibility takes a specific personal and professional attitude. That’s why during the Master’s, you not only learn from the best; you also get coached by the best. From start to finish, a dedicated coach guides you in a process that helps you develop that essential attitude, making good use of your unique talents and characteristics.
Product development techniques like the V-model and the design thinking approach already partially disrupt analytical, dissective thinking. But adding a socio-technical framework to the process? That's still a novelty in the field of engineering. At Pulsed, we research this novel development by exploring our initial hypothesis: cycling through these tools enables the creation of relevant innovation in developing products addressing societal problems.
Fontys Pulsed is not just an educational institution; we are catalysts of change in the education landscape. We foster an environment that encourages personal growth, exploration of talents, and stepping out of comfort zones. Our dedication to innovation extends beyond our own institution, as we strive to share our expertise and approach with our partners in education. Through our transformative program called EDEX, we invite you to embark on an educational expedition where you will take ownership of the (re)design process, enabling you to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing society.
Fontys Pulsed is not just an educational institution; we are catalysts of change in the education landscape. We foster an environment that encourages personal growth, exploration of talents, and stepping out of comfort zones. Our dedication to innovation extends beyond our own institution, as we strive to share our expertise and approach with our partners in education. Through our transformative program called EDEX, we invite you to embark on an educational expedition where you will take ownership of the (re)design process, enabling you to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing society.
