A Systems Engineering Methodology for Information Systems

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

A theory of software project management and PROMOL: a project management modeling language

Effective software project management is the key to successful completion of IT software projects. A positive theory of software project management helps to illuminate the path to effective management. Here, we introduce a simple, yet powerful, software project management theory that helps us to understand the conditions and drivers that lead to functional and dysfunctional project behavior. We identify a set of criteria for assessing current and future modeling tools. Finally, we introduce a formal and visual modeling language for management of software projects.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Connections in System of Systems

Systems of systems are becoming more important in today’s global endeavors. In this paper use of model-based systems engineering is examined from the viewpoint of understanding connections, that is the transfer of items between system of systems. The conclusion is that systems engineering models must include executable models in order to best understand the effects of transfer of items in system of systems

Approaches for measuring the management effectiveness of software projects

Effective software project management is a key element in achieving software project success. In order to improve the quality of the management and focus our efforts on the right issues, it is essential to measure software project management effectiveness first. In this report, we introduce four alternative approaches for guiding the development of project management metrics.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

A Systems Engineering Methodology for Analyzing Systems of Systems Using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML)

A systems engineering methodology for analyzing a system of systems (SoS) elucidated in this paper involves the use of process modeling, modeling of the SoS with the systems modeling language (SysML), and subsequent conversion of the resulting SySML model into an end-to-end system of systems executable object-oriented simulation model. A process is a series of actions undertaken by a system or a system of systems to produce one or more end results, typically products and services. The SysML extends and customizes UML 2 to support systems engineering activities in engineering of complex systems. The methodology represents part of our on-going research at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in establishing an integrated methodology for SoS architecting and engineering to be used in industry. In this paper we will explain the methodology and emphasize the correspondence between the SysML representation of a conceptual SoS and its executable model (via Extend TM); we will also illustrate the methodology with an exploratory application to analysis of a coalition U.S.-Singapore SoS architecture employed to counter terrorism emanating from the maritime domain. Our future work is aimed at extending the methodology and improving its rigor and trying it to ontological engineering.This work was supported in party by a contract with the OUSD (AT&L) through System of Systems Engineering Center of Excellence (SoSECE)

System-of-Systems Acquisition: Alignment and Collaboration

Sponsored Report (for Acquisition Research Program)System-of-systems (SoS) acquisition research has identified lack of alignment and lack of collaboration as two important issues leading to problems in SoS acquisition. This report captures the exploratory work toward improving alignment between and collaboration among the individual system programs in the development of an SoS. An SoS inter-program collaboration approach is proposed. It is inspired by some existing web-based collaborative systems, such as eBay, Facebook, and Eureka, and suggests an attraction mechanism to effect SoS inter-program collaboration. In addition, a web-based collaborative system is also suggested. Based on an architecture for distributed and interoperable management of multi-site production projects, it allows personnel of all programs associated with an SoS to input need points for component system inputs and retrieve information required to align the individual programs. Furthermore, contracting structures for facilitating collaboration among the system programs are also considered. Finally, this work forms a basis for implementing a web-based SoS collaborative system to support Department of Defense (DoD) SoS acquisition programs.Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Contracting Processes and Structures for Systems-of-Systems Acquisition

The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.1002/sys.21214Acquisition of a system-of-systems can be an all new acquisition of multiple systems that are intended to operate together as a system-of-systems. Much more common in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is acquisition of one or more new systems that are intended to interoperate with existing systems as a system of systems (SoS) with new capabilities. In either case, successful SoS acquisition necessarily depends on effective contracting structures and processes for SoS acquisition. In this paper, a set of issues that need to be addressed in SoS acquisition are identified, and the current findings discussed. The findings suggest maintaining an extensive systems engineering effort within the SoS acquisition and changes to the existing contracting processes, structures, and organizational structures to maximize the probability of SoS acquisition success. The resulting changes are recommended to current and future DoD SoS acquisitions

Research on Systems-of-Systems Acquisition

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