Principles Govern Process

Systems engineering and its management is facilitated through the development of processes. However, over-dependence on processes in situations where they do not apply can cause problems. 

Processes should be seen as enabling rather than deterministic: certain individuals need to be both accountable for their actions and given a level of discretion in the application of high level processes. 

When adapting a generic process to a particular situation the individual must first understand the principles that underpin the process. Principles should be derived from experience and analysis of past endeavours including development failures. It is essential to capture these lessons and continuously improve current processes.