A new systems engineering structured assurance methodology for complex systems

As technology advances, systems behaviour becomes more difficult to predict and control, resulting in a lack of systems assurance across the supply chain. Here we describe a structured approach to address the assurance of complex systems developed and operated within highly regulated environments. The new approach is based on a methodology that can address both new and legacy systems, and influences system intervention. We propose an enterprise approach by observing the importance of all organisational contributions to a safe working system throughout the intended project life cycle. This research was catalysed by the need to address the certification of the F-35B stealth fighter for UK operations from 2012 onwards. We offer a pragmatic strategy to achieve systems control by adopting a holistic approach to systems engineering while promoting the development of an enabling environment that can determine system threats and enable appropriate controls. We propose a systematic coordination process to minimise the potential for ‘organisational drift’. This holistic approach to systems engineering and assurance is defined as ‘systems engineering structured assurance’. The methodology provides a confidence assessment for a particular product or system while remaining agnostic to regulatory constraints. The diligent completion of the methodology increases systems confidence and informs the regulatory environment

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC OF SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY 4.5 GENERATION FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR SUPPORTING NATIONAL DEFENSE SYSTEM

The fighter aircraft project is one of the defense and security equipment (alpalhankam or alat peralatan pertahanan dan keamanan) priority programs contained in the defense industry roadmap. Indonesia and South Korea undertook a joint development program in developing 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. However, Indonesia experiences several obstacles in the development of fighter aircraft, one of which is the ability of disparity and mastery of fighter technology. One of the critical components used as one of the development programs is simulator technology development. Mastery of simulator technology can improve the ability of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from technology development fighter aircraft and can cause multiplier effects in other fields. Therefore we need a development strategy that is appropriate for the development of simulator technology. This study aims to analyze and define the benchmark level of performance or from the critical components which will then be used as a reference for the development strategy of the 4.5 generation fighter simulator for joint development projects. The method used in this study is a mixed-method with an approach system engineering uses quality function deployment tools and Critical Technology Element (CTE) technology assessment to identify which CTE then used as a reference strategy for the development of fighter simulator technology. The results of the study show that there are several CTE values along with simulator technology performance scores, among others mission 92.5%, data 83.56%, motion 52.51%, and strategic options that can be used in the technological development of fighter simulator generation 4.5 such as strategic joint development, self-development, and local content/offset.

Applying Systems Engineering Approaches to the Management of Electrical Engineering Projects

Electrical engineering projects are becoming increasingly complex due to the advances in technology. Traditional project management practices and approaches may not be the best method. Research has indicated that a large portion of electrical engineering projects are not completed successfully. Therefore, adopting new processes and methods in order to attempt to improve project success rates is worth investigating. Generally, projects have been viewed with a static approach. Modern electrical engineering projects, however, are complex dynamic systems and should be viewed and managed in a holistic way. A project can be viewed as a closed loop system with external and internal factors that can impact the outcome. Hence, this research project explores the application of systems engineering approaches to the management of electrical engineering projects. An initial investigation of the relevant literature revealed that there was a knowledge gap in applying systems engineering to the management of electrical engineering projects. The identified gap led to the development of the in-depth interview instrument. Five senior key domain experts were selected for in-depth interviewing with the purpose of acquiring experiential knowledge. From this extracted knowledge and literature review, a systems engineering model for electrical engineering project management was developed. The model was built on existing project management methodologies and was refined for electrical engineering based projects. The model was tested on a hypothetical electrical engineering project and verified by obtaining feedback from the domain experts. The outcome from the testing and verification suggested that the model has the potential to help improve the project management process in the electrical engineering industry. Project management is an ever growing, changing and challenging industry. Hence, the results from this research study help to contribute to the knowledge base of project management in the electrical engineering environment

A Novel Graph-Based Modelling Approach for Reducing Complexity in Model-Based Systems Engineering Environment

Field of systems engineering (SE) is developing rapidly and becoming more complex, where multiple issues arise such as overcomplexity, lack of communication or understanding of the design process on different stages of its lifecycle. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has been introduced to overcome the communication issues and reduce systems complexity. A novel approach for modelling interactions is proposed to enhance the existing MBSE methodologies and further address the identified challenges. The approach is based on graph theory, where pre-defined rules and relationships are substituted and reorganised dynamically with graphical constructs. A framework for reducing complexity and improving logic modelling in MBSE with metagraph object-oriented approach is presented. This framework is tested in use cases from literature, where the model-based systems approach is applied to design an automobile system to match the acceleration requirements, and to improve a CubeSat nanosatellite communication subsystem. Through the use case scenarios, it has been proven that the methodology framework meets all the identified functional and design requirements and achieves the aim of the research. This work may be viewed as a step forward towards more consistent and automatic modelling of interactions among subsystems and components in MBSE. Automation techniques have multiple applications in systems engineering field as engineers always aim to produce higher quality and cost-effective products in less time and that is achieved by integrating knowledge on every stage of a development lifecycle. In addition to those advantages for SE field, the research provides basis for potential research proposals for future work in various engineering fields such as knowledge based engineering or virtual engineering