Showing papers on "System of systems engineering published in 2000"

Requirements engineering: a roadmap

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the field of software systems requirements engineering (RE). It describes the main areas of RE practice, and highlights some key open research issues for the future.

Control Systems Engineering

Abstract: From the Publisher: Designed to make the material easy to understand, this clear and thorough book emphasizes the practical application of systems engineering to the design and analysis of feedback systems. Nise applies control systems theory and concepts to current real-world problems, showing readers how to build control systems that can support today's advanced technology.

Introduction to Systems Engineering

Abstract: Introduction to Systems Engineering Methodological Frameworks and Systems Engineering Processes Formulation of Issues Analysis of Alternatives Interpretation of Alternative Courses of Action and Decision Making Systems Engineering and Systems Engineering Management Index

Research challenges in process systems engineering

Abstract: Introduction Companies must design and operate chemical processes effectively and efficiently so they may survive in today’s highly competitive world. Providing the methods, tools and people that allow industry to meet its needs by tying science to engineering is a compelling aspect of Process Systems Engineering (PSE). Despite the importance of the PSE, the scope and research of this area are often not well understood. One of the major reasons is that chemical engineering has evolved over the past five decades from being an engineering discipline rooted in the concept of unit operations to one based on engineering science and mathematics, and most recently to one with increasing ties to the natural sciences. This very significant change in emphasis has created a gap between the science-based and the systems-based research in chemical engineering. We argue here that this gap might be closed in two ways: first, by broadening the definition of Process Systems Engineering through the introduction of the concept of the “chemical supply chain,” and second, by gaining a better appreciation of the intellectual research challenges in this area. We address this last issue by discussing the nature and major accomplishments of the PSE area and outlining emerging research directions.

Knowledge Engineering and Knowledge Management Methods, Models, and Tools

Abstract: Knowledge Modelling Languages and Tools.- OIL in a Nutshell.- The Knowledge Model of Protege-2000: Combining Interoperability and Flexibility.- A Case Study in Using Protege-2000 as a Tool for CommonKADS.- The MOKA Modelling Language.- Md??: A Modelling Language to Build a Formal Ontology in Either Description Logics or Conceptual Graphs.- Ontologies.- Ontology's Crossed Life Cycles.- A Roadmap to Ontology Specification Languages.- A Formal Ontology of Properties.- Construction and Deployment of a Plant Ontology.- The Role of Ontologies for an Effective and Unambiguous Dissemination of Clinical Guidelines.- Supporting Inheritance Mechanisms in Ontology Representation.- Conflict Resolution in the Collaborative Design of Terminological Knowledge Bases.- Knowledge Acquisition from Texts.- Revisiting Ontology Design: A Method Based on Corpus Analysis.- Mining Ontologies from Text.- SVETLAN' Or How to Classify Words Using Their Context.- Machine Learning.- KIDS: An Iterative Algorithm to Organize Relational Knowledge.- Informed Selection of Training Examples for Knowledge Refinement.- Experiences with a Generic Refinement Toolkit.- Knowledge Management & E-Commerce.- What's in an Electronic Business Model?.- Chinese Encyclopaedias and Balinese Cockfights - Lessons for Business Process Change and Knowledge Management.- Using Problem-Solving Models to Design Efficient Cooperative Knowledge-Management Systems Based on Formalization and Traceability of Argumentation.- Integrating Textual Knowledge and Formal Knowledge for Improving Traceability.- Knowledge Management by Reusing Experience.- Problem-Solving Methods.- Integrating Knowledge-Based Configuration Systems by Sharing Functional Architectures.- The Nature of Knowledge in an Abductive Event Calculus Planner.- Adapting Tableaux for Classification.- Knowledge Representation.- Conceptual Information Systems Discussed through an IT-Security Tool.- Translations of Ripple Down Rules into Logic Formalisms.- Generalising Ripple-Down Rules.- Validation, Evaluation and Certification.- Monitoring Knowledge Acquisition Instead of Evaluating Knowledge Bases.- Torture Tests: A Quantitative Analysis for the Robustness of Knowledge-Based Systems.- Certifying KBSs: Using CommonKADS to Provide Supporting Evidence for Fitness for Purpose of KBSs.- Methodologies.- Kinesys, a Participative Approach to the Design of Knowledge Systems.- An Organizational Semiotics Model for Multi-agent Systems Design.

The contribution of systems science to information systems research

Abstract: Systems science has been considered the basis for information systems. A wealth of research in information systems in the framework of systems science has produced an astonishing array of theoretical results and empirical insights, and a large suite of tools and methods. This paper aims at reviewing the contribution of systems science to information systems research and tracing how concepts and findings in systems science have been applied, extended and refined in information systems research. As we approach the end of twentieth century, this paper points out that systems science is a necessity to deal with the overwhelming systems complexity in the information era of the next century. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Design and implementation of a collaborative engineering information system for allied concurrent engineering

Abstract: Allied concurrent engineering is defined by unifying the concepts of virtual enterprise and concurrent engineering in the engineering processes. It aims to integrate the engineering activities and resources from different enterprises through enterprise alliances to respond to customer expectations quickly. The integration, management and sharing of engineering information is the basis for allied concurrent engineering. This paper presents a systematic approach, from domain investigation and functional requirement analysis, through system design and modelling to implementation of an engineering information system that makes use of various modelling techniques. The system aims at quickly providing the right information to the right place at the right time in the right formats throughout the inter-enterprise concurrent engineering processes to facilitate communication, coordination, control and integration of multi-enterprise concurrent product and process development. The result of this research will enable...

Earth systems engineering and management

Abstract: The impact of human activities on natural systems has grown to the point that we need to engage consciously in earth systems engineering and management. I address why this is the case, and what I mean by such a provocative term. In addition, I explore what we can learn from relevant experience, and how this daunting task should be approached. Earth systems engineering and management (ESEM) may be defined as the capability to rationally engineer and manage human technology systems and related elements of natural systems in such a way as to provide the requisite functionality while facilitating the active management of strongly coupled natural systems. The need for ESEM arises because, as a result of the industrial revolution and concomitant changes in agriculture, population levels, culture, and human systems, the world has become a human artifact. Partially because this process has occurred over time frames that are longer than individual time horizons, and has involved institutions and technology systems rather than conscious individual decisions, recognition of this phenomenon, and appropriate responses, have yet to occur. It is apparent that the science and technology, institutional, and ethical infrastructures necessary to support such a response have not yet been developed. The issue is not whether the earth will be engineered by the human species, it is whether humans will do so rationally, intelligently, and ethically.

4.4.4 Adapting UML for an Object Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM)

Abstract: Object-oriented (OO) techniques have been used predominately by software engineers. Why would systems engineers want to add OO techniques to their existing practices? How should such techniques be adapted to be useful to systems engineers? This paper will show how an Object-Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM) addresses these questions and how the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) at the systems engineering (SE) level can facilitate capture of system requirements and design information and ease communication between systems and software engineers. The techniques overviewed in this paper have been applied to information systems and have allowed engineers to model system needs, requirements, architectural design, and their allocation to hardware, software, databases, and manual procedures. The authors believe that OOSEM is applicable to engineering of other types of systems as well.

Systems engineering education

Abstract: The article discusses some basic principles underlying systems engineering, and the translation of these principles to practices such as to enable the engineering of trustworthy systems of all types that meet client needs. The article is concerned with systems engineering education. Thus, it is inherently also concerned with systems engineering, as this provides a major component of the material that is important for systems engineering education. After setting forth some of the necessary ingredients for success in systems engineering, we devote some comments to objectives for and needs in systems engineering education.

Unifying software engineering and systems engineering

Abstract: The author describes CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) and the emerging project methods which demonstrate the opportunities for process improvement gains open to organizations. The organization that changes from separated software and system engineering processes to a more unified approach will find itself far more suited to developing dynamically changing, software-intensive systems. Culture change is never easy, but the alternative is even less palatable.

Application of complex systems science to systems engineering

Abstract: This article discusses how we can modify our approaches for performing systems engineering by incorporating the ideas inherent in the complex system science approach. The reductionist approach is described in terms of its effect on the classical systems engineering efforts. The holistic approach is then described with emphasis on the concepts of emergence and nonlinear, dynamic behavior. Having laid this groundwork, the paper then will discuss a melding of the reductionist and holistic approaches. This paper will suggest how we might modify the systems engineering processes used today to gain a whole-brained approach that bridges the gulf between these two strategies. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 3:

Requirements engineering and management: the key to designing quality complex systems

Abstract: Very few high technology acquisition projects are successful. Problems occur far too often, regardless of whether one is acquiring clinical or business information systems, patient monitoring systems, or therapeutic and diagnostic systems. The odds are good that the project will be delivered late, cost far more than predicted, and not provide all of the features promised. Only 9 percent of projects are on time and under budget, and only about 16 percent deliver what was promised. The principal reason for project failure is improper management of the requirements of the system. Requirements engineering and management (REAM) is a skill from the systems engineering profession that can be learned by nearly any professional who is managing a technology acquisition project. This paper will tell you what REAM is and how it is done.

Data reverse engineering: a historical survey

Abstract: Data reverse engineering is a rapidly growing field which is sometimes misunderstood. In our effort to promote the realization that data reverse engineering is a valuable and essential part of reverse engineering and is now finding its place in software engineering, we present a summary of the history of data reverse engineering. A definition of data reverse engineering, a summary of the history of what has been none and published, a statement about the state-of-the art today, and a comment on the future of DRE is presented.

Toward a unified systems engineering education

Abstract: Systems engineering education is analyzed. The root of systems engineering is system theory, and both are given a brief overview. The methodology of systems engineering is used to design an educational concept. Four alternative approaches, and their merits are tested and evaluated against the requirements defined for education. The conclusion, for the benefit both of engineering education in general and systems engineering in particular, is an integration of systems engineering principles into the education of all branches of engineering, rooted as they are in system theory and design practice already. This approach means a rationalization of the present engineering education, and meets the requirements from industry to a wider spread use of systems engineering principles and practices.

Creating highly reliable manufacturing systems: an integrated approach

Abstract: The causes of complex manufacturing systems' failures are preliminarily analyzed. The techniques of creating highly reliable manufacturing systems are then discussed. It has been shown that modern safety and quality analysis conducted from early design phase to operation and maintenance will enhance the reliability of complex manufacturing systems. In addition, optimization between human operators and machines reduces confusion and increases the reliability of such systems. Employing teamwork in all aspects of the organizational systems will enhance the productivity of complex systems. Moreover, there should also exist a unique and systemic mechanism which integrates the performance of the organizational systems with those of technical (engineering) and nontechnical (people) subsystems.

Design tool integration: an exercise in semantic interoperability

Abstract: The integration of software tools used in an engineering process is a problem that arises frequently in large-scale engineering projects. Traditional approaches are insufficient for complex engineering tools and processes. The solution must also account for the evolution of the system, as tools and processes change over time. This paper shows a new approach to the problem, describes the supporting infrastructure, and discusses the background model-integrated generation technology.

Enabling allied concurrent engineering through distributed engineering information management

Abstract: The management of engineering information to ensure that the right information is quickly provided to the right place at the right time in the right format is one of the most critical tasks in the engineering process. Within the practice of allied concurrent engineering, the importance and difficulty of engineering information management is increased due to the issues of inter-enterprise communication and process control, system heterogeneity, information and system security, differing engineering data formats and multi-database formats. This paper presents an engineering information management approach for the practice of allied concurrent engineering (ACE). An ACE-based engineering information management methodology is proposed under the concept of enterprise integration. This methodology includes an information management life cycle, a distributed management framework, and rules and methods for information management. Based on this methodology, an ACE-based engineering information system was developed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) modeling techniques. The result of this research will enable the practice of allied concurrent engineering and consequently help increase product development capability and quality, reduce development cycle time and cost, and hence increase product marketability.

Analyzing requirements engineering processes: a case study

Abstract: Thorough process improvement starts with an analysis of the current situation. This is also true for requirements engineering processes. The goal of cooperation between DaimlerChrysler and the department of Software Systems Engineering at the University of Essen is to establish a framework for such RE process analysis in the area of car manufacturing. In this paper, we report on our first analysis using a traditional interview technique and the results obtained. We compare the major findings with existing research and other experiences, identify a set of challenges and provide an outlook of our future investigations.

Research Needs for Engineering Aspects of Natural Disasters

Abstract: Engineering research needs related to the second national assessment of future directions of research and applications for more sustainable natural disaster management are presented. The evolution of codes and practice in engineering in general and the development of these practices within the context of hazards management is described. Next, an overview of the state of the art in current engineering practice is presented by type of hazard and by type of infrastructure. The bases for engineering design in terms of reducing loss of life and economic damages are described along with a framework for using this information as a basis for engineering design. Engineering research needs for promoting more sustainable hazards management are enumerated.

Data fusion system engineering

Abstract: The paper reports on methods for the cost-effective development and integration of multi-sensor fusion technology. The methods presented extend the Project Correlation Data Fusion Engineering Guidelines with significant evolution. The key new insight is in formulating the system engineering process as a resource management problem; allowing the application of the Bowman's model of the duality between data fusion and resource management.

Innovative and Economical Bench-scale Process Engineering Experiments*

Abstract: Through funding of the National Science Foundation (NSF), some novel experiments have beendeveloped that present process science principles suitable for a variety of chemical engineering andprocess-related core courses. These experiments are cost effective and represent some of theemerging areas: polymer processing, food processing, environmental reactor design, fluidization,and membrane separation. These experiments have been utilized by chemical engineering faculty ata unique hands-on industrially integrated NSF workshop on Novel Process Science and Engineer-ing conducted at Rowan University. We have integrated these experiments into our curriculum sothat students can see chemical engineering process principles in action and therefore improve thequality of education.

A Systems Engineering Methodology for Information Systems

Abstract: Complex information systems are often developed without systematic consideration of architectural alternatives partially because systems engineers have lacked a methodology for performing quantitative trade studies of networked systems of sensors, processors, and communications systems. In this paper an approach is discussed for analyzing time-critical information systems and performing systems trades. Information systems are described in terms of design factors with discrete factor levels. Object-oriented models are constructed of the information systems and simulations are run to obtain system measures of performance. Design of experiments is used to drastically reduce the number of models required. The approach is illustrated for an example combat identification information system. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 3: 68–81, 2000

A flexible Web-based PDM approach to support virtual engineering cooperation

Abstract: The objective of the work presented in this paper is to provide a methodology and tools for distributed PDM environments especially suited for virtual project based cooperation in engineering design. A research project called WebFlex-PDM (Web-enabled Flexible PDM federation) is introduced. This project mainly deals with extensions to existing PDM systems to provide the capability for easy integration into different PDM environments of cooperation partners and to enable use of various geographically dispersed WWW-based engineering information resources. In order to analyze the requirements for a flexible management of distributed engineering information resources the paper first describes an application case study. The requirements are compared to the state of the art of distributed PDM solutions and the existing deficits are shown. Finally the main ideas, the architecture, and prototype modules of the WebFlex-PDM approach are presented.

Foundation of Neuro-Fuzzy Systems and an Engineering Application

Abstract: This chapter discusses the foundation of neuro-fuzzy systems. First, we introduce Takagi, Sugeno, and Kang (TSK) fuzzy model [l,2] and its difference from the Mamdani model. Under the idea of TSK fuzzy model, we discuss a neuro-fuzzy system architecture: Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) that is developed by Jang [3]. This model allows the fuzzy systems to learn the parameters adaptively. By using a hybrid learning algorithm, the ANFIS can construct an input-output mapping based on both human knowledge and numerical data. Finally, the ANFIS architecture is employed for an engineering example an IC fabrication time estimation. The result is compared with other different algorithms: Gauss-Newton-based Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (GN algorithm), and backpropagation of neural network (BPNN) algorithm. Comparing these two methods, the ANFIS algorithm gives the most accurate prediction result at the expense of the highest computation cost. Besides, the adaptation of fuzzy inference system provides more physical insights for engineers to understand the relationship between the parameters.