Helix

This document reports on the research findings from the research questions and Helix methodology. The major sections of this document include:

• Background: This section provides an overview of the Helix project.
• Overall Helix Methodology: This section provides a detailed description of the methodology used in this research project. The development of the survey and web-based tools are also elaborated.
• Helix Findings: This section provides a description of the activities and findings from the research efforts performed throughout this period of performance.
• Discussion: This section provides some general findings and other interesting topics from the data analysis.
• Conclusions: This section summarizes the research performed by the Helix team.
• Recommendations: This section provides suggestions and recommendations for reflection and for future researchers.

The Helix project began in 2012 to investigate what makes systems engineers effective. Since then, the Helix team developed Atlas: The Theory of Effective Systems Engineers. Atlas provided insights on what enabled individuals to be complex problem solvers by consistently delivering value to their organizations. The Helix team has been investigating these research questions and generated more than two dozen publications on Helix, eight technical reports, Atlas: The Theory of Effective Systems Engineers, an Atlas Implementation Guide, and an Atlas Career Path Guidebook (see Figure 1 in report). The team also formed an advisory group (the Helix Advisory Panel or HAP) and held four workshops to discuss Helix research findings and plans.