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Showing papers on "System of systems engineering published in 2008"


BookDOI
21 Apr 2008
TL;DR: This book presents a meta-modelling approach to System of Systems Engineering that focuses on the design and simulation of system-based systems for efficient, scalable, and sustainable systems engineering.
Abstract: Preface ix About the Editor xi Contributors xiii 1. Introduction to System of Systems 1 Mo Jamshidi 2. An Open Systems Approach to System of Systems Engineering 21 Cyrus Azani 3. Engineering of a System of Systems 44 Gary D. Wells and Andrew P. Sage 4. System of Systems Architecting 77 Cihan H. Dagli and Nil Kilicay-Ergin 5. Modeling and Simulation for Systems of Systems Engineering 101 Saurabh Mittal, Bernard P. Zeigler, Jose L. Risco Martin, Ferat Sahin, and Mo Jamshidi 6. Net Centricity and System of Systems 150 Robert J. Cloutier, Michael J. DiMario, and Hans W. Polzer 7. Emergence in System of Systems 169 Charles B. Keating 8. System of Systems Management 191 Brian Sauser, John Boardman, and Alex Gorod 9. Systems Engineering for Department of Defense Systems of Systems 218 Judith S. Dahmann 10. Boeing's SoSE Approach to e-Enabling Commercial Airlines 232 George F. Wilber 11. System of Systems Perspectives on Infrastructures 257 Wil A.H. Thissen and Paulien M. Herder 12. Advances in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Case Study in System of Systems Perspective 275 Prasanna Sridhar, Asad M. Madni, and Mo Jamshidi 13. A System of Systems View of Services 293 James M. Tien 14. System of Systems Engineering in Space Exploration 317 Steven D. Jolly and Brian K. Muirhead 15. Communication and Navigation Networks in Space System of Systems 348 Kul B. Bhasin and Jeffrey L. Hayden 16. Operation and Control of Electrical Power Systems 385 Petr Korba and Ian A. Hiskens 17. Future Transportation Fuel System of Systems 409 Michael Duffy, Bobi Garrett, Cynthia Riley, and Debra Sandor 18. Sustainable Environmental Management from a System of Systems Engineering Perspective 443 Keith W. Hipel, Amer Obeidi, Liping Fang, and D. Marc Kilgour 19. Robotic Swarms as System of Systems 482 Ferat Sahin 20. Understanding Transportation as a System of Systems Problem 520 Daniel A. DeLaurentis 21. Health Care System of Systems 542 Nilmini Wickramasinghe, Suresh Chalasani, Rajendra V. Boppana, and Asad M. Madni 22. System of Systems Engineering of GEOSS 551 Ryosuke Shibasaki and Jay S. Pearlman Author Index 573 Subject Index 576

316 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper reviews the SoS literature to illustrate the need to create an SoSE management framework based on the demands of constant technological progress in a complex dynamic environment and utilizes modified fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS) network principles (SoSE management conceptual areas).
Abstract: As our knowledge of system of systems (SoS) has grown and evolved, so has our understanding of how to engineer and manage them. In systems engineering, we develop architectures and frameworks to bring meaning to this kind of uncertainty, but for SoS engineering (SoSE) we are still in search of how we can structure this understanding. In this paper, we review the SoS literature to illustrate the need to create an SoSE management framework based on the demands of constant technological progress in a complex dynamic environment. We conclude from this review that the history and evolution of defining SoS has shown that: (1) SoS can be defined by distinguishing characteristics and (2) SoS can be viewed as a network where the ldquobest practicesrdquo of network management can be applied to SoSE. We use these two theories as a foundation for our objective to create an effective SoSE management framework. To accomplish this, we utilize modified fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS) network principles (SoSE management conceptual areas). Furthermore, cited distinguishing characteristics of SoS are also used to present a SoSE management framework. We conclude with a case analysis of this framework using a known and well-documented SoS (i.e., Integrated Deepwater System) to illustrate how to better understand, engineer, and manage within the domain of SoSE.

266 citations


Book
01 Jan 2008
TL;DR: This chapter aims at expounding some of agent-oriented methodologies provided for developing multi-agent systems with a special focus on the more mature one, ADELFE.
Abstract: Nowadays applications are becoming more and more complex, and multi-agent systems are proven an efficient paradigm for implementing this complexity, especially when self-organisation principles are applied. However, designing such self-organising systems becomes an issue: even if many agent-oriented methodologies are provided for developing multi-agent systems, only a few are interested in helping designers when applying self-organisation and emergence principles. This chapter aims at expounding some of them with a special focus on the more mature one, ADELFE.

257 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
07 Apr 2008
TL;DR: The situation in SoS in the context of existing SoS frameworks is described and the current DoD approach to SoS is discussed and challenges the soS environment poses for the systems engineer at both the SoS and system levels are discussed.
Abstract: The US Department of Defense has begun to recognize the need to manage and engineer ensembles of systems to address use capability needs. As DoD systems of systems are being recognized with explicit management, systems engineering and funding support, systems engineers face challenges in applying systems engineering processes to support SoS, particularly in the typical situation when the systems retain their independence. This paper describes the situation in SoS in the context of existing SoS frameworks and discusses the current DoD approach to SoS and challenges the SoS environment poses for the systems engineer at both the SoS and system levels. Finally, the paper will suggest some areas for further investigation to address key issues as systems engineering takes up the challenge of these changes in the interdependent networked environment of the future battle space.

230 citations


Book
19 Aug 2008
TL;DR: Theoretical overview of reliability and performance in engineering design is given in this article, along with an overview of safety and risk in the context of engineering design applications, as well as a detailed analysis of the safety-and risk-risk model.
Abstract: Design Integrity Methodology Designing for Integrity Artificial Intelligence in Design Design Integrity and Automation Industry Perception and Related Research Intelligent Design Systems Reliability and Performance in Engineering Design Introduction Theoretical Overview of Reliability and Performance in Engineering Design Analytic Development of Reliability and Performance in Engineering Design Application Modelling of Reliability and Performance in Engineering Design Review Exercises and References Availability and Maintainability in Engineering Design Introduction Theoretical Overview of Availability-Maintainability in Engineering Design Analytic Development of Availability-Maintainability in Engineering Design Application Modelling of Availability-Maintainability in Engineering Design Review Exercises and References Safety and Risk in Engineering Design Introduction Theoretical Overview of Safety and Risk in Engineering Design Analytic Development of Safety and Risk in Engineering Design Application Modelling of Safety and Risk in Engineering Design Review Exercises and References

209 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A SoS is a collection of individual, possibly heterogeneous, but functional systems integrated together to enhance the overall robustness, lower the cost of operation, and increase reliability of the overall complex system.
Abstract: The concept of system of systems (SoS) and the challenges ahead to extend systems engineering (SE) to system of systems is introduced. The birth of a new engineering field may be on the horizon - system of systems engineering (SoSE). A SoS is a collection of individual, possibly heterogeneous, but functional systems integrated together to enhance the overall robustness, lower the cost of operation, and increase reliability of the overall complex (SoS) system. Having said that, the field has a large vacuum from basic definition, to theory, to management and implementation. Many key issues like architecture, modeling, simulation, identification, emergence, standards, net-centricity, control, etc., are all begging for attention. In this review, we go through all these issues briefly and bring the challenges to the attention of interested readers. We will also indicate the existence of an introduction consortium, of interested groups who are getting together to help realize these problems and try to find solutions.

136 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept, foundations, research directions, and practice implications for System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) are developed and the nature and nature of the co-authors introduce the nature of co
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to develop the concept, foundations, research directions, and practice implications for System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) First, we introduce the nature of the co

126 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An assessment of the current state of SOSE field development is provided, the nature of complex issues for which traditional approaches are falling short are suggested to include the corresponding challenges facing SOSE development, and an emerging paradigm for SOSE as a multidiscipline based on current research is established.
Abstract: In this paper, we present System of Systems Engineering (SOSE) as a developing multidiscipline, spanning across and drawing from a variety of disciplines to address complex situations; situations are characterised by ambiguity, high uncertainty and emergence. This paper is organised to: (1) provide an assessment of the current state of SOSE field development, (2) suggest the nature of complex issues for which traditional approaches are falling short to include the corresponding challenges facing SOSE development, (3) describe two perspectives of the SOSE response to complex situations and (4) establish an emerging paradigm for SOSE as a multidiscipline based on current research. This paper concludes with the implications for further development of research and practice for SOSE.

97 citations


Book
18 Dec 2008
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an approach to improve the performance of a single-input-single-output (SISO) system using a set of tools from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division.
Abstract: Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2005.

92 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The significant benefits of developing a system architecture model for GEOSS using the SoSE process are described and an example of how the process would capture the architecture model of GEOSS is presented.
Abstract: There is an increasing need to perform systems-of-systems engineering (SoSE) in a global environment. A new SoSE process has been developed which is a significant breakthrough in the development of large complex systems and net-centric systems-of-systems (SoS). The SoSE process provides a complete, detailed, and systematic development approach for military and civil SoS. This architecture-centric, model-based systems engineering process emphasizes concurrent development of the system architecture model and system specifications. It is applicable to all phases of a system's lifecycle. The significant benefits of developing a system architecture model for GEOSS using the SoSE process are described. An example of how the process would capture the architecture model of GEOSS is presented.

74 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the nature of requirements from a System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) perspective and argue that traditional systems engineering has been successful in developing requirements that are objective, verifiable, and definitive.
Abstract: :Traditional systems engineering (SE) has been successful in developing requirements that are objective, verifiable, and definitive. These requirements are chiefly related to technical or technological issues necessary to achieve a desired level of system performance. In contrast, System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) engages a more complex and holistic problem space, including organizational, managerial, policy, human/social, and political dimensions that exist in conditions of emergence, ambiguity, and uncertainty; therefore, the traditional SE requirements paradigm must be called into question. At present, the SoSE requirements paradigm has not reached the level of maturity or sophistication experienced by traditional SE. It is a miscalculation to expect successful approaches for SE requirements development to enjoy the same level of success when applied directly to the SoSE problem domain. The purpose of this article is to explore the nature of requirements from an SoSE perspective. First, the ...

01 Nov 2008
TL;DR: The shape of SoS in the DoD today is discussed and a recent initiative to provide guidance on the application of SE processes to the definition and evolution of soS is outlined.
Abstract: : With the increased emphasis on capabilities and networking, the DoD is recognizing the criticality of effective end-to-end performance of systems of systems (SoS) to meet user needs. While acquisition continues to focus on systems, systems requirements are increasingly based on the assessment of gaps in user capabilities and in priority areas; there is an increasing focus on integration across systems to enable capabilities. Thus, the role of systems engineering (SE) is expanding to the engineering of SoS that provide user capabilities. This article discusses the shape of SoS in the DoD today. It outlines a recent initiative to provide guidance on the application of SE processes to the definition and evolution of SoS.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Dec 2008
TL;DR: System of systems are being introduced, challenges are brought up and potential solutions and needs are discussed and special emphasis on UTSAACE Center's SoS technology will be demonstrated.
Abstract: Systems engineering is at a crossroad now at the beginning of the 21st century. One of the main challenges of any paradigms in systems engineering is being able to handle complex systems under unforeseen uncertainties. A system may be called complex if its dimension (order) is too high and its model (if available) is nonlinear, interconnected, and information on the system is uncertain such that classical techniques cannot easily handle the problem. A system of systems (SoS) is a "super system," or an integration of complex systems coordinated together in such a way to achieve a wider goal with possible higher significance. Applications of SoS are quite extensive - examples are future combat mission, global warming, Mars missions, air traffic system, global Earth observation system, electric power grid system, energy systems, etc. Computational intelligence (CI) or soft computing, a consortium of fuzzy logic (approximate reasoning), neuro-computing (learning), genetic algorithms and genetic programming (optimization), has proven to be a powerful set of tools for adding autonomy and semi-autonomy to many complex systems. For such systems the size of autonomous controller architecture will be nearly infinite. In this presentation system of systems are being introduced, challenges are brought up and potential solutions and needs are discussed. Special emphasis on UTSAACE Center's SoS technology will be demonstrated. Some animated and experimental implementation as well as media movies and clips will be shown.

Dissertation
01 Jun 2008
TL;DR: Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2008.
Abstract: Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2008.

MonographDOI
28 Mar 2008
TL;DR: Researchers working in the field of complex adaptive systems and related fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and data mining, as well as professionals in related applications such as defense, bioinformatics, and sociology will find this book an indispensable, state-of-the-art reference.
Abstract: The universe is a massive system of systems -- for example, ecological systems, social systems, commodity and stock markets. These systems are complex, constantly adapting to their environment, and many are essential to the very existence of human beings. To fully understand these systems, complex adaptive systems research uses systemic inquiry to build multi-level and multidisciplinary representations of reality to study these systems. Applications of Complex Adaptive Systems provides a global view of the most up-to-date research on the strategies, applications, practice, and implications of complex adaptive systems, to better understand the various critical systems that surround human life. Researchers working in the field of complex adaptive systems and related fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and data mining, as well as professionals in related applications such as defense, bioinformatics, and sociology will find this book an indispensable, state-of-the-art reference.

Book
15 Feb 2008
TL;DR: Researchers working in the field of complex adaptive systems and related fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and data mining, as well as professionals in related applications such as defense, bioinformatics, and sociology will find this book an indispensable, state-of-the-art reference.
Abstract: The universe is a massive system of systems -- for example, ecological systems, social systems, commodity and stock markets These systems are complex, constantly adapting to their environment, and many are essential to the very existence of human beings To fully understand these systems, complex adaptive systems research uses systemic inquiry to build multi-level and multidisciplinary representations of reality to study these systems Applications of Complex Adaptive Systems provides a global view of the most up-to-date research on the strategies, applications, practice, and implications of complex adaptive systems, to better understand the various critical systems that surround human life Researchers working in the field of complex adaptive systems and related fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and data mining, as well as professionals in related applications such as defense, bioinformatics, and sociology will find this book an indispensable, state-of-the-art reference

Journal ArticleDOI
10 Jul 2008-Infor
TL;DR: The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution is explained and applied to controversies surrounding proposals for the bulk export of water from Canada, revealing that future bulk water exports are strategically possible and that dispute resolution mechanisms embedded within international trade agreements can potentially supersede national laws.
Abstract: Formal decision analysis techniques involving multiple stakeholders and multiple objectives are designed from a system of systems engineering perspective to address, within an adaptive integrative ...

Book ChapterDOI
01 Mar 2008
TL;DR: Three main challenges researchers have to cope with are highlighted: how to control the system at the macro level by only focusing on the design of agents at the micro level, what kind of tools, models and guides are needed to develop such systems in order to help designers and how validation of such systems can be achieved.
Abstract: Complexity of near future and even nowadays applications is exponentially increasing. In order to tackle the design of such complex systems, being able to engineer self-organising systems is a promising approach. This way, the whole system will autonomously changes its behaviour as its parts locally reorganise themselves, always providing an adapted function. This paper proposes to focus on engineering such systems generating emergent functionalities. We will first define two important concepts to take into account in such a context: Emergence and Self-Organisation. Building on these two concepts, we will highlight three main challenges researchers have to cope with: (i)how to control the system at the macro level by only focusing on the design of agents at the micro level, (ii)what kind of tools, models and guides are needed to develop such systems in order to help designers and (iii)how validation of such systems can be achieved? Each of these three challenges will be explained and positioned in regard to the main existing approaches. Our solutions combining emergence and self-organisation will be expounded for each challenge.

Book
20 Nov 2008
TL;DR: Organized as a handy desk reference, this book harnesses more than 100 years of the authors combined professional experience to provide extensive guidelines, best practices, and tips on avoiding possible pitfalls.
Abstract: The architects of todays large and complex systems all too often struggle with the lack of a consistent set of principles and practices that adequately address the entire breadth of systems architecture. The Method Framework for Engineering System Architectures (MFESA) enables system architects and process engineers to create methods for effectively and efficiently engineering high-quality architecture for systems, subsystems, and software components. Meets the Needs of Specific Projects The book begins by documenting the common challenges that must be addressed by system architecture engineering. It explores the major principles answering these challenges and forming the basis of MFESA. Next, the authors introduce MFESA, including its primary goals, inputs, tasks, outputs, and assumptions. Then they describe the fundamental concepts and terminology on which the systems architecture engineering is founded. This is followed by a description of each of the ten system architecture engineering tasks including associated goals and objectives, preconditions, inputs, steps, postconditions, work products, guidelines, and pitfalls.Finally, the book documents the relationship between quality and architecture, explains the quality model underlying MFESA, and provides a summary of MFESA method framework, as well as a list of points to remember and future directions planned for MFESA.Explains Specific RationalesOrganized as a handy desk reference, this book harnesses more than 100 years of the authors combined professional experience to provide extensive guidelines, best practices, and tips on avoiding possible pitfalls. It presents a direct rationale of why steps are taken, how things can go wrong, and guidance for how and when to tailor the model for a systems specific context.

MonographDOI
25 Apr 2008
TL;DR: Information Systems Engineering: From Data Analysis to Process Networks presents the most current research on existing and emergent trends on conceptual modeling and information systems engineering, bridging the gap between research and practice by providing a much-needed reference point on the design of software systems that evolve seamlessly to adapt to rapidly changing business and organizational practices.
Abstract: Information systems belong to the most complex artifacts built in todays society Developing, maintaining, and using an information system raises a large number of difficult problems, ranging from purely technical to organizational and social Information Systems Engineering: From Data Analysis to Process Networks presents the most current research on existing and emergent trends on conceptual modeling and information systems engineering, bridging the gap between research and practice by providing a much-needed reference point on the design of software systems that evolve seamlessly to adapt to rapidly changing business and organizational practices

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2008
TL;DR: Technology sustainment analysis encompasses the ramifications of reliability on system management and costs via sparing, availability and warranty and requires the management of technology obsolescence.
Abstract: Sustainability means keeping an existing system operational and maintaining the ability to manufacture and field versions of the system that satisfy the original requirements. Sustainability also includes manufacturing and fielding revised versions of the system that satisfy evolving requirements, which often requires the replacement of technologies used in the original system with newer technologies. Technology sustainment analysis encompasses the ramifications of reliability on system management and costs via sparing, availability and warranty. Sustainability also requires the management of technology obsolescence (forecasting, mitigation and strategic planning) and addresses roadmapping, surveillance, and value metrics associated with technology insertion planning.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
08 Sep 2008
TL;DR: Challenges faced and lessons learned addressing these challenges in a large-scale industrial project are presented and the implementation of these lessons greatly contributed to the success of the project.
Abstract: Requirements engineering is arguably the most important activity in the development of complex, software-intensive systems. Generally, the higher the complexity of the system under development, the more exacerbated the importance of good requirements engineering becomes. While numerous researchers in academia have focused on requirements engineering, there is still a need for practical guidelines that scale to real-world applications. This paper presents requirements engineering challenges faced and lessons learned addressing these challenges in a large-scale industrial project. The implementation of these lessons greatly contributed to the success of the project.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
07 Apr 2008
TL;DR: Several research questions are addressed in this thought piece on the need for research in the engineering of complex systems.
Abstract: Several research questions are addressed in this thought piece on the need for research in the engineering of complex systems. What are the classes of problems for which complexity science and the engineering of complex systems represents the best solution? What are the classes of problems for which this is not the case? What elements of complexity science (and the associated mathematics) can be applied to the engineering of complex systems? What elements of the science are missing and need to be developed? How do we use the science to develop engineering tools and deliver effective and efficient solutions for our clients?

BookDOI
10 Oct 2008
TL;DR: Advances in Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering includes a set of rigorously reviewed world-class manuscripts addressing and detailing state-of-the-art research projects in the areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering and Sciences.
Abstract: Advances in Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering includes a set of rigorously reviewed world-class manuscripts addressing and detailing state-of-the-art research projects in the areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering and Sciences. Advances in Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering includes selected papers from the conference proceedings of the International Conference on Systems, Computing Sciences and Software Engineering (SCSS 2007) which was part of the International Joint Conferences on Computer, Information and Systems Sciences and Engineering (CISSE 2007).

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 2008
TL;DR: In this article, a set of perspectives for applying systems thinking in systems engineering and then defining a systems thinking perspective set of views for a system, the use of which will provide one way of aligning systems thinking to systems engineering.
Abstract: 1 This is a paper on thinking about thinking. Systems engineering is an emerging discipline in the area of defining and solving problems in the manner of (Wymore, 1993). The emerging paradigm for problem solving is “systems thinking”. Both systems engineering and systems thinking have recognized the need to view a system from more than one perspective. This paper proposes a set of perspectives for applying systems thinking in systems engineering and then defines a systems thinking perspective set of views for a system, the use of which will provide one way of aligning systems thinking to systems engineering. The paper then provides an example of applying the set of perspectives to the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Air Defence System and shows that not only does the set of perspectives provide a way to model the system; it also picked up two potentially fatal flaws in the system. The paper then concludes with some observations on the state of systems engineering from a number of the perspectives.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Feb 2008
TL;DR: A process combining MDE and performance engineering called Model-Driven Performance Engineering (MDPE) is proposed, and the first experiences in application of MDPE concepts are presented.
Abstract: Late identification of performance problems can lead to significant additional development costs. Hence, it is necessary to address performance in several development phases by performing a performance engineering process. We show that Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) specifics can be utilised for performance engineering. Therefore, we propose a process combining MDE and performance engineering called Model-Driven Performance Engineering (MDPE). Additionally we present our first experiences in application of MDPE concepts.

Book
01 Jul 2008
TL;DR: The purpose of this research is to focus on understanding the motivations for using patterns in architecting and engineering complex systems, to understand whether patterns for this purpose have unique requirements.
Abstract: The existence of patterns is almost universal. The human mind seems to perceive patterns without conscious thought---we notice individual's personal habits because they form patterns. Patterns are also used in a number of engineering disciplines---software engineering, requirements engineering and mechanical engineering, to name a few. However, the value and use of patterns in architecting and engineering complex systems has had very limited exploration. The purpose of this research is to focus on understanding the motivations for using patterns in architecting and engineering complex systems, to understand whether patterns for this purpose have unique requirements. Emphasis is on the documentation of architectural patterns for enhanced utility and reuse. Other topics explored in this thesis include a pattern framework as a step towards a taxonomy of system patterns to facilitate pattern management and pattern repositories. With the goal of developing the notion and utility of patterns to the systems engineering community, this research develops a framework for their documentation, classification, and management which should allow their use and reuse, and their evolution and improvement. By capturing intrinsic systems engineering knowledge and expertise, patterns would also allow the application of this knowledge by less experienced architects and systems engineers. The systems engineering community now has a vehicle to build a maturing source of patterns that can be leveraged for enhanced engineering effectiveness and efficiency.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
08 Sep 2008
TL;DR: This paper describes how to go about fostering an attitude of acceptance versus resistance and fear of the unknown and unknowable in RE, and help develop an important skill in systems design students.
Abstract: A challenge in teaching students about the "realities" of requirements engineering (RE) in systems design involves managing requirements change and uncertainty, with all the associated unknowns and unknowable. This paper aims to inspire a discussion for why knowing the unknown and unknowable of RE is a critical design skill. We describe how we might go about fostering an attitude of acceptance versus resistance and fear of the unknown and unknowable in RE, and help develop an important skill in systems design students. The classroom experiences, successes and challenges are described, and suggestions offered for future work.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new conceptual framework, called the four-frames systems view, has been developed as a tool for the management of systems architectures and the development of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system for the civil sector.
Abstract: This article explores some of the issues associated with the management of complex technology projects, specifically through the use of systems methodologies. As part of this assessment, the results from an industry survey are reported, which was designed to identify the key features in the use of systems approaches in technology and engineering management. The paper also describes a new conceptual framework, called the four-frames systems view, which has been developed as a tool for the management of complex projects. This innovative framework brings together different systems-related methodologies and tools, in order to reduce risk in the design, implementation and management of complex technology projects. The framework is based on a view that different systems methodologies are needed in order to accommodate different levels of complexity. The paper provides an initial application of the framework to the development of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system for the civil sector.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
07 Apr 2008
TL;DR: The characteristics of SoS are identified, a SoS life cycle is proposed, and some considerations for requirements engineering in an SoS environment are identified.
Abstract: Over the past decade, the focus of much effort in systems development has evolved from the development of individual self- contained systems to the integration of large-scale systems of systems (SoS) that are constantly evolving to address new user needs. Because these types of systems of systems no longer have a single controlling authority, have components that are developed and evolve independently, and as a result cannot be specified by a top-down set of requirements, the methods for engineering them need to be modified from the methods for engineering traditional systems. This paper identifies the characteristics of SoS, proposes a SoS life cycle, and identifies some considerations for requirements engineering in an SoS environment.