Which of the following is considered a major issue in systems engineering development?

Complexity is a significant issue in systems engineering development due to the intricate nature of modern systems. As systems grow larger and encompass more integrated components and technologies, the level of complexity increases, making it more challenging to define requirements, manage interactions, and ensure reliability and performance. This complexity can lead to difficulties in understanding how different parts of the system will behave, which may result in unpredictable outcomes and increased risks.

Furthermore, complex systems require robust frameworks for analysis, design, and validation to ensure that all aspects of the system are considered and managed effectively. Systems engineers must grapple with this complexity throughout the lifecycle of the system, from initial conception to deployment and maintenance, often needing to create models and simulations to better understand and predict system behavior.

While resource allocation, scheduling conflicts, and communication barriers are important management and operational issues in projects, they are often symptoms or side effects of the overarching complexity present in systems engineering. Addressing complexity is fundamental to ensuring that these other issues can be effectively managed.