The treatise supports understanding the phenomena of complexity in engineering distinguishes
complexity from other challenges and presents an overview of definitions and applied
approaches.The historical background of complexity management is explained by highlighting the
important epochs their key actors and their discoveries findings and developments. Knowing
about the appearance of early system awareness in ancient Greece the creation of mechanical
philosophy in the 17th century and the discovery of classic physics enables the reader to
better comprehend modern system sciences and management approaches.A classification of
complexity management approaches by research fields indicates current focus areas and starting
points for future discussions. In a comprehensive map the classification points out mutual
overlaps between engineering disciplines in terms of similar complexity management
approaches.Finally the treatise introduces a generic complexity management framework which is
based on structural management approaches.
