A Preliminary Exploratory Measurement Model for Systems Thinking in Defence and Aerospace Engineering: A Bifurcated Framework Developed via Multiple Correspondence Analysis

ABSTRACT Modern engineering faces a ‘complexity crisis’ characterized by interlinked, multidisciplinary ‘wicked problems’, particularly within the defence and aerospace sectors. Although systems thinking is recognized as a critical competency for navigating this environment, empirical quantitative frameworks for its measurement remain limited. This study addresses this gap by examining data from 48 senior practitioners in the Israeli defence and aircraft industries. Using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and 10 000‐iteration bootstrap procedures, the analysis suggests a bifurcated exploratory model of systems thinking within this specialized sample. The model indicates two relatively stable domains: Strategic Engineering Thinking, which reflects high‐level contextual and managerial ‘soft systems’ orientation, and Applied‐Integrative Judgement, which reflects ‘hard systems’ technical integration. Findings indicate that strategic maturity is statistically associated with years of professional experience, whereas Applied‐Integrative Judgement appears relatively independent of demographic factors in this cohort. Rather than providing definitive validation, the study offers preliminary evidence for a bifurcated exploratory framework and identifies directions for future validation in larger, more diverse engineering populations before the framework is applied in training, workforce development or professional assessment.