Integration and framing between system engineering, enterprise engineering and whole of society

Abstract: This paper proposes the integration between the domains of product development, systems engineering, enterprise engineering & architecture and the whole of society. The effort addresses the following systems engineering imperatives as per INCOSE Vision 2025: “Expanding the application of systems engineering across industry domains, applying systems engineering to help shape policy related to social and natural systems, expanding the theoretical foundation for systems engineering, advancing the tools and methods to address complexity.” Formal theoretical structures in the form of mathematical predicates are used from the structuralist programme in the philosophy of science to frame the integration. The formal structures make future simulations of the identified integration possible

A case study of systems engineering implementation in designing electronic blast systems

Abstract: It is not known if a lack of formal system engineering processes being used in the design and development of new and existing systems, lead to high risk of failure in the implementation of electronic blast systems. In mining, more specifically electronic blast systems, minimal research exists on the application of system engineering principles and practices to deliver better systems faster, and more cost-effectively compared to that of ad-hoc, non-systemic approaches. The main objective of the research was to determine how well system engineering processes are applied in electronic blast systems implementation. The investigations showed results of the measurement through the SECM model’s and revealed that the company is on maturity level of 2 with aspects of level 3 in all three focus-area categories, namely technical, management and environment. The activities performed indicate that SECM outputs are managed to a plan, and there are some defined organisation processes used to plan and execute activities. System engineering processes do exist but are informal, and most are not measured, and this prevents process improvement, and hence an increase SECM maturity level

Towards unification of product and enterprise system descriptions

An argument is presented for the unification of descriptions of product systems and enterprise systems. Product systems are developed and produced by enterprises, thus forming an integral part of the enterprise's architecture. However, many products are utilised by enterprises and some product systems contain entire businesses, such as the operating and maintenance business of a power station. Thus, products are part of enterprises, but enterprises may also be part of product systems. To enable the design of systems that include the product, its user and all the enterprises that make the product available and possible, it is necessary to align the enterprise engineering and systems engineering views. This article presents a starting point that allows the two disciplines to more accurately refer to a specific element of the complete system‐of‐interest. The aim is that this will allow for improved communication between the practitioners of the different disciplines and perhaps the development of improved solutions

The readiness of systems engineering at a South African engineering organisation

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore and gain a broad perspective on the systems engineering methods currently employed at a South African research council. The aim is to question if these methods are ideal by comparing them with their alternatives. This paper focuses on the systems engineering methods used within the various competency areas of one of the engineering business units. The suitability of these methods for the nature of work being done in the respective competency areas is also explored. Systems Engineering Management Base Theory (SEMBASE) is used as a framework to find the gaps in each competency area and conclude possible ways of improvement thereof. A qualitative research method is used for this study. The data and information received from the interviews are analysed for emerging patterns that will confirm the theory. The findings show that the competency area focusing on Systems Engineering and Enterprise Architecture is adequately aware of the systems engineering processes and is well-equipped with its tools. The research also reveals that the Technical Competency Areas are not always aware of all the systems engineering processes and lack certain systems engineering tools. Some competency areas are indirectly using Systems Engineering but are unaware of it. More training and awareness is required to fill these gaps amongst the Technical Competency Areas

The formulation and evaluation of a neuron model based on biological neurons

Thesis (Ph.D. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.This thesis formulates and evaluates a mathematical model from an engineer's point of view based on the currently-known information-processing processes and structures of biological neurons. The specification and evaluation of the RealNeuron model form a baseline for current use in engineering solutions and future developments. The RealNeuron is a carefully-reduced model that retains the essential features of more complex models. A systems engineering approach is used to formulate it, i.e. the model is described as using multiple resolution levels with configurable modular elements at each resolution level and is then implemented, verified and validated in a bottom-up method. It is computationally efficient and only adds or subtracts ion concentrations based on the states at the membrane structure's level. The results are integrated at the lower levels of resolution. The RealNeuron's simple calculations make simulations on personal computers possible by using standard spreadsheet software for a seven-neuron classical-conditioning neural circuit. All the simulated states at the highest level of resolution (i.e. pumps, channels, etc.), the intermediate levels of resolution (i.e. membrane potentials, neurotransmitters in the synapse, etc.) and the lowest level of resolution (i.e. conditioning signal, conditioned signal, conditioned reaction, etc.) are available on a spreadsheet. The RealNeuron is verified in a bottom-up manner. The pumps, channels and receptors are verified first. These components are then integrated into the different membrane types (post-synaptic membrane, main membrane, axonal membrane) and verified while the membrane components are validated simultaneously. This process is repeated until individual neurons have been built up and RealNeuron networks have finally been constructed. The RealNeuron is verified and validated in configurations for AND, NAND, OR, NOR, NOT and XOR logic functions. It is also verified and validated by the implementation of classical conditioning. In a noisy environment, the RealNeuron's performance is dependent on the pump's parameters in the main membrane of the sensor neurons. This thesis proposes that a grade of machine intelligence is used to distinguish between the different synthesis requirements for intelligent machines. An engineering synthesis of a RealNeuron network, based on classical conditioning, demonstrates how to implement a RealNeuron network that can be used in machines built to the grade of machine intelligence requirement which is classical-conditioning learning implemented with neural networks that can change learned associations in a dynamic environment.This thesis formulates and evaluates a mathematical model from an engineer's point of view based on the currently-known information-processing processes and structures of biological neurons. The specification and evaluation of the RealNeuron model form a baseline for current use in engineering solutions and future developments. The RealNeuron is a carefully-reduced model that retains the essential features of more complex models. A systems engineering approach is used to formulate it, i.e. the model is described as using multiple resolution levels with configurable modular elements at each resolution level and is then implemented, verified and validated in a bottom-up method. It is computationally efficient and only adds or subtracts ion concentrations based on the states at the membrane structure's level. The results are integrated at the lower levels of resolution. The RealNeuron's simple calculations make simulations on personal computers possible by using standard spreadsheet software for a seven-neuron classical-conditioning neural circuit. All the simulated states at the highest level of resolution (i.e. pumps, channels, etc.), the intermediate levels of resolution (i.e. membrane potentials, neurotransmitters in the synapse, etc.) and the lowest level of resolution (i.e. conditioning signal, conditioned signal, conditioned reaction, etc.) are available on a spreadsheet. The RealNeuron is verified in a bottom-up manner. The pumps, channels and receptors are verified first. These components are then integrated into the different membrane types (post-synaptic membrane, main membrane, axonal membrane) and verified while the membrane components are validated simultaneously. This process is repeated until individual neurons have been built up and RealNeuron networks have finally been constructed. The RealNeuron is verified and validated in configurations for AND, NAND, OR, NOR, NOT and XOR logic functions. It is also verified and validated by the implementation of classical conditioning. In a noisy environment, the RealNeuron's performance is dependent on the pump's parameters in the main membrane of the sensor neurons. This thesis proposes that a grade of machine intelligence is used to distinguish between the different synthesis requirements for intelligent machines. An engineering synthesis of a RealNeuron network, based on classical conditioning, demonstrates how to implement a RealNeuron network that can be used in machines built to the grade of machine intelligence requirement which is classical-conditioning learning implemented with neural networks that can change learned associations in a dynamic environment.Doctora

Techno-organisational factors of eHealth acceptance : a system dynamics model

The sustained use of eHealth is influenced by the dynamic and nonlinear interactions of technological, social, organizational and economic factors. However, most eHealth implementation frameworks are modelled linearly without capturing the complex relationship among elements of the ecosystem to ensure technology acceptance. The model-based theory-building research approach followed in this study aimed at enhancing the understanding of techno-organizational factors’ influence on the acceptance of eHealth technology. A qualitative research approach and system dynamics modelling are applied to develop a system dynamic model of techno-organizational factors of eHealth acceptance. The ‘average workforce turnover’ showed a stronger influence on the simulated ‘acceptance rate’ of both eHMIS and SmartCare systems in the techno-organizational dimension. Therefore, retaining skilled workforces in the healthcare organization should be the focus in the techno-organizational dimension of sustainable eHealth implementation to increase the ‘acceptance rate’ of eHMIS and SmartCare in Ethiopia.The National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa.https://www.inderscience.com/jhome.php?jcode=ijlc2023-10-26hj2023Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM