bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Pathways of Influence for Tightly and Loosely Structured Organizations: Implications for Systems Resilience
Authors: Valdez Raquel , Gunda Thushara , Caskey Susan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOrganizations play a key role in supporting various societal functions, ranging from environmental governance to the manufacturing of goods. The behaviors of organization are impacted by various influences, including information, technology, authority, economic leverage, historical experiences, and external factors, such as regulations. This paper introduces a generalized framework, focused on the relative structure of an organization (tight vs. loose), that can be used to understand how different influence pathways can impact decision‐making within differently structured organizations. This generalized framework is then translated into a modeling and simulation platform to support and assess implications of these structural differences in resilience to disinformation (measured by organizational behaviors of timeliness and inclusion of quality information) using a systems dynamics approach Preliminary results indicate that a tightly structured organization may be less timely at processing information but could be more resilient against using poor quality information in organizational decisions compared to a loosely structured organization. Ongoing work is underway to understand the robustness of these findings and to validate current model design activities with empirical insights.
The Human‐Technology Spectrum: A Framework for Evaluating Sociotechnical System Function Allocation, Risk, and Performance
Authors: Troxell Graeme , Sprague Christian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the interplay of human and technological elements performing functions within socio‐technical systems. With rapid technological advancements, understanding the various possible human‐technology configurations, and their unique implications, is crucial. This research proposes a conceptual schema to demarcate particular kinds of human‐technology relationships, as it pertains to function allocation, and aims to guide system design and risk management. The Human‐Technology Spectrum (HTS) framework considers a continuum of systemic risks, lifecycle management strategies, and evaluation processes, offering a valuable resource for engineers and designers. For each stage along the HTS, we provide examples and discuss function across types of sociotechnical systems. We conclude with a discussion on the importance of understanding the tradeoffs between humans versus technologies enacting system functions.
Systems Engineering Application for Better Design and Analysis of an Assembly Process
Authors: Taghiyar Adel , Pavalkis Saulius , God Ralf , Eichmann Oliver C. , Lammers Sven 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe use of systems engineering has proven effective in managing complexity and improving system design. Model based system engineering utilizing the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) especially helps in multidisciplinary environments where engineering data needs to be transformed and integrated between environments. Manufacturing is another discipline same as systems engineering is on active digitalization transformation. In the paper, we propose method and solution to apply Model based system engineering (MBSE) for improvement of process planning of assembly lines leveraging model based approach. SysML modeling and execution enable automation of analysis activities as trade‐off, where the behavior of various assembly scenarios of an assembly line can be captured using SysML behavioral diagrams and compared based on various evaluation criteria. However, relying solely on descriptive SysML system models without integrating the virtual representation of the assembly line is insufficient to verify all aspects of system behavior, such as ergonomics and collision avoidance. The main objective of this work is to present a concept for transforming SysML assembly scenarios into the process and resources models of the computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) environment. This yields a holistic view that serves as a foundation for further production‐related simulations and analyses, enhancing efficiency, ergonomic design, factory layout, and material flow, ensuring effective assembly workstation design optimized at systems engineering level.
Secure Design: A Principled Approach for Systems Engineers
Authors: Winstead Mark 
Published: September 2024

AbstractINCOSE's Systems Engineering Vision 2035 sets a goal that security will be as foundational a perspective in systems design as system performance and safety are today. Such a design needs to be inherently secure (i.e., eliminate hazards, susceptibilities, and vulnerabilities to the extent possible and control the remaining ones are, while still enabling the system to meet performance requirements) and provide a basis for necessary security functionality. This paper discusses a principled approach and concepts for creating such a design. Activities for secure design across multiple MITRE sponsors and work programs with desired outcomes to the Vision 2035 goal inform. These activities include community outreach through workshops and public review of publications.
Building a Scientific Foundation for Security: Multilayer Network Model Insights for System Security Engineering
Authors: Williams Adam D. , Caskey Susan A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo help incorporate security into INCOSE's Systems Engineering Vision 2035, the INCOSE systems security engineering working group endorses a paradigmatic shift to reframe systems security as trustworthy, loss‐driven, and capabilities‐based. Similar research out of Sandia National Laboratories has explored cutting‐edge approaches to systems security for national security applications. Together, these efforts highlight the need for—‐and a path toward—‐a scientific foundation for security. Leveraging underlying tenets of systems theory, observed security heuristics, and the concepts emerging from INCOSE's SSE working helps triangulate a set of “first principles” as part of a scientific foundation for security as an emergent systems property that incorporates traditional physical security designs, cyber security architectures, and personnel security programs—‐as well as the (often ignored) interactions between them. These first principles, in turn, are the basis for a set of derived systems security performance axioms that support current INCOSE SSE working efforts. We have demonstrated this approach's logic and designability with a multilayer network model‐based approach for systems security. The structure of this scientific foundation for security offers additional, innovative opportunities to achieve desired levels of trustworthiness, creative mechanisms to meet needs, innovative loss‐driven approaches, and enhanced capabilities—‐all aimed at producing more efficient and effective systems security solutions against current and emerging threats, uncertainties, and complexities.
Validation Framework of a Digital Twin: A System Identification Approach
Authors: Phillips Ibukun , Kenley C. Robert 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe constant improvement and developments in Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning models coupled with increased computing power have led to the incorporation of AI/ML for simulating learning and problem‐solving in simple and complex engineering systems. This latent uncertainty and unpredictable characteristics of AI‐enabled systems challenges engineers and industry stakeholders who care about ensuring the right systems are built (system validation). Digital Twins are an excellent example of such AI‐enabled systems due to their data‐dependent nature when tasked with replicating, monitoring, and updating physical assets for structural health monitoring and control. However, Digital Twins' system validation has not been well‐researched. This study delves into existing research and frameworks for validating Digital Twins and proposes a novel model‐centric validation framework based on system identification techniques. As a case study, we apply this model‐centric validation framework towards partially validating a Digital Twin for a single‐heat‐pipe test article for a Microre‐actor Agile Non‐nuclear Experimental Testbed.
Early Validation using Architectural Overviews (A3AO) a Case Study in an IoT Consultancy
Authors: Hidle Eirik , Kjørstad Marianne 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper focuses on the use of A3 Architectural Overviews (A3AO) for early validation of stakeholder needs and system concept as part of a tender proposal in an IoT consultancy. Tender proposals are an essential part of communication between most companies working in the engineering field. Often with hightech companies, a technical knowledge gap exists between the different stakeholders reading tender proposals. This knowledge gap increases the risk of miscommunication and wasteful work. A real‐life case from an IoT consultancy tendering an IoT concept for a processing facility forms the basis for the research. Applying an action research approach, the researchers tailored the A3AO framework to fit within the consultancy's work flow and developed an A3AO describing the tendered system concept. The customer received and later accepted the tender proposal including the A3AO containing the stakeholders' problems and needs, a concept solution, and a roadmap detailing further work. In this study, we collected data from observations, semi‐structured interviews, surveys, and a follow‐up questionnaire to the customer. The study found that the A3AO functions as a tool for early validation and that it helped bridge the knowledge gap between the consultancy and customer. The study also raises questions and criticism regarding cost and complexity. The consultancy later decided to implement A3AOs in future proceedings.
Promoting Neurodiversity Through MBSE and Other Technical Approaches
Authors: Duffy Taylor , Romero Maria 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Systems Engineering (SE) industry employs many people from the neurotypical and neurodivergent communities. This research presents different concepts and potential methods/tools available to promote neurodiversity and the complex interactions between those who are categorized by it, as well as the various relevant institutions it challenges and responds to (psychiatry, education, industry, etc.). Neurodiversity will mean different things at different times. The challenge we face in the industry is finding ways to work on complex systems that include neurodiverse thinking into the overall solution. This paper will attempt to bridge this gap by looking into the meaning of neurodivergence, showing the different ways organizations within the SE industry assess a neurodiverse individual to perform work, and demonstrating how organizations can utilize tools and methodologies to offer more inclusion and reduce feeling invisible within the community. This paper will further explain how modelbased systems engineering (MBSE) and simulation could provide methods and visualizations necessary to provide a cross‐neurotype communication and visualization methodology to convey both abstract and concrete solutions to complex problems in SE. By adopting a neurodiverse perspective, we can alter actual relations; from how we empathize with the neurodivergent community, to how we design adaptable systems that evolve and expand into new functionalities and services.
Integrating IoT Technology with a Systems Engineering Approach to Improve the GHG Emission Accounting in the Waste Management Industry
Authors: Hylleseth Tobias , Giudici Henri , Muller Gerrit 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis work presents how to automate emission accounting and analysis in the waste management industry. The methodology adopted is based on the combined use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and a Systems Engineering approach. The presented methodology has been tested in an industrial case. In the case, there were multiple systems available to collect environmental data. However, the accessibility and the interpretability of this environmental data were observed as a challenge. After gathering the data in a centralized database, the automation of the Green House Gasses (GHG) emission management and accounting was performed. Findings show that the operational emissions of the industry partner mainly occur from energy and fuel consumption. By measuring and categorizing energy usage, the industry partner identified several potential improvements for reducing emissions. Lowering energy usage can consequently decrease the associated carbon footprint. Finally, the authors suggest some useful insights for companies with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of industrial GHG emissions accounting.
Model‐Based Decision Support using Test and Evaluation: A Lightweight Architecture Approach
Authors: Anyanhun Awele , Arndt Craig , Werner Jeremy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA standardized decision support tool to support test prioritization and decision‐making is a prerequisite to achieving on‐time delivery of weapon systems that are adequately tested and vetted by decision makers within distributed organizations such as the defense industrial base. However, to achieve standardization, the core principles of systems thinking and systems engineering must be utilized in order to realize a holistic and evolvable process and product that integrates Test & Evaluation (T&E) data and information with decision‐making in a consistent format to support program offices. To address this need, a model‐based reference architecture for the standardization of the Integrated Decision Support Key (IDSK) data and decision formats is presented in this paper. The IDSK is a DoD‐mandated decision support tool (artifact) for capturing a program's decisions and the T&E information necessary to support the decisions. The digital‐IDSK reference architecture proposed is developed using a model‐based systems engineering approach and facilitates the generation of standardized data and decision formats that are tailorable, adaptable to incremental future changes, and easy to integrate with other digital engineering artifacts all within a digital engineering ecosystem. In addition, this approach is also applicable not only to defense‐based organizations, but also finds utility within organizations pivoting to a digital engineering strategy for informing product T&E decision‐making.
Risk Assessment Method for System‐of‐Systems Operations — A Case Study of Wildfire Fighting
Authors: Zimdahl Rosanna , Franzén Ludvig Knöös 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA SoS is a set of collaborating systems that act towards a common achievement. Risk assessment is important in the early stages of SoS operational development, both for mission objectives and to enable technology which is developed responsibly. The method considers risks that stems from both internal and external interactions which leads to losses for different kind of actors. The method has been applied to a fictional case study of wildfire fighting. The internal interactions are mostly communication between the CSs while external interactions represent dependencies of other systems as well as impacts on other systems. The outcome of the methodology is a network of connected hazards to be used for risk management and for high level SoS requirements.
Long Term Trends in Security Threats and an Approach for Integrating Them into System Architecture and Design
Authors: Rosser Larri Ann 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSecurity is an important consideration in today's systems, and it promises to be both relevant and challenging in the future. Our design and development processes are evolving to incorporate modern methods such as agile development and model‐based engineering with the intent to provide flexible and resilient capabilities to our customers quickly and with high quality. As we continue to enhance our practices to achieve these aspirations, security capabilities both at initial deployment and throughout the system lifespan are an important consideration. A literature review of security concerns in general and challenges across a range of domains including civil aviation, smart cities, eLearning, finance and defense reveals a set of recurring long‐term trends. These trends suggest challenges to security capabilities in the future. In this paper, we summarize and analyze these trends and propose an approach for addressing them in architecture and design activities.
The Effects of the Assessed Perceptions of MBSE on Adoption
Authors: Call Daniel R. , Herber Daniel R. , Conrad Steven A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTraditional document‐based systems engineering (SE) practices have proven inadequate to address modern systems' increasing complexity, leading to shortcomings in SE outcomes. To address these limitations, model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) has emerged with an emphasis on the system model as the primary SE artifact. Despite its potential, MBSE has not achieved widespread adoption. This study explores MBSE adoption challenges through the lens of the diffusion of innovations theory to identify factors hindering its adoption. The study's methodology includes a survey distributed to SE professionals focusing on perceptions of attributes of MBSE identified by the diffusion of innovations theory, current use of models and MBSE, and basic demographic information. Results highlighted that respondents recognize the relative advantage of MBSE in improving data quality and traceability, but perceived complexity and compatibility with existing practices still present barriers to adoption. Subpopulation analysis reveals that those who are not already involved in MBSE efforts face the additional adoption obstacles of limited trial opportunities and tool access (chi‐squared test of independence between these populations resulted in p = 0.00). The survey underscores the potential for closer alignment between MBSE and existing SE methodologies to improve the perceived compatibility of MBSE. Future studies would benefit from examining additional variables identified by the diffusion of innovations theory, incorporating control questions to differentiate between perceptions of SE generally and MBSE specifically, identification of better methods to assess current MBSE use by participants, and measures to broaden the participant scope. Finally, the imminent introduction of SysML v2 presents a unique opportunity to reshape perceptions of MBSE to improve the adoption rate of MBSE and enhance its accessibility among SE professionals.
MissionML: A Mission Architecture Modeling Language based on Unified Architecture Framework
Authors: Yang Yilong , Song Wenxiao , Chang Chuangye , Gao Xinghai 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe missions of complex systems, organizations, or groups can be identified through careful requirements and domain analysis. Mission architecture modeling is a crucial step for enterprise modeling and design. However, mission modeling is lacking from the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), which system engineers must specify and model from sketch. This paper proposes a Mission Architecture Modeling Language (MissionML). This two‐layer architecture language generalizes the general common and special knowledge from four typical missions as a core layer and mission layer. The elements of the core layer are obtained through slight extensions of the operational layer elements in UAFML, and the elements of the mission layer are derived from the elements in the core layer. Moreover, MissionML is implemented as a UAF profile, incorporating numerous domain concepts in its syntax and semantics for mission modeling. Finally, we use five public case studies to demonstrate learnability and extensibility from the viewpoint of system engineers.
Using VR to Validate and Visualize MBSE‐Designed Interfaces
Authors: Flanagan Sean L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSeveral unique challenges arise in the new field of integration between Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models and game‐based digital twin visualizations. First, no known standardized interfaces between the MBSE model and game engine visualization are defined, which can lead to custom or stove‐piped solutions. Additionally, visualizing digital twin models in true to life scale is insufficient with typical desktop computers. The Bi‐Directional Interface Requirements Operational System Test (BIFROST) prototype, funded by the US Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, seeks to address these challenges.Progress of the BIFROST prototype is covered in the paper. The prototype aims to determine the feasibility and challenges of validating interfaces through visualizing changes to an MBSE model in a 3D game engine. Research was performed to visualize part of an uncrewed aircraft system ground control station in 3D using the Unity game engine. A Mission Control Architecture MBSE model, developed by PEO Aviation, is used to drive the digital twin of the ground control station through a set of virtual reality (VR) controls. Users can visualize, analyze, and test the human‐machine interaction of the 3D models in VR prior to real‐world system changes. This paper presents the recommended interfaces between the MBSE model and 3D engine, lessons learned, and future research areas.
The Nature of Technical Debt in the Development of Descriptive Models for MBSE
Authors: Noguchi Ryan A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractModel‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the growing practice of systems engineering (SE) in which descriptive models replace documents as the embodiment of SE knowledge. These descriptive models capture SE information in place of documents, are developed in a similar manner to software source code, and are encoded and used in machine‐to‐machine applications as data. This paper describes how the Technical Debt concept widely used in the software domain—rework deferred to the future for expediency—needs to be modified for the domain of descriptive models. Technical Debt is often associated with agile development practices of software or descriptive models, which emphasize the rapid creation and iterative evolution of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Consciously applying appropriate modeling principles and practices is essential to make informed decisions during the modeling process to prevent the accumulation of excessive model Technical Debt—particularly during this iterative evolutionary process—which can require substantial rework to correct. The paper establishes a foundation for characterizing the Technical Debt implications of key model architecture and implementation decisions that are made explicitly or implicitly by modelers when developing descriptive models. To illustrate the model Technical Debt concept, several examples of modeling principles pertaining to model purpose and implementation are described along with their implications on model Technical Debt.
NASA's Use of MBSE and SysML Modeling to Architect the Future of Human Exploration
Authors: Hill Terry R. , Carnevale Alanna E. , Morris‐Eckart Audrey , Sundaram Vinodini , Farhaj Leon Z. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOne of the key roles of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is to help mitigate the risk and lower expenses associated with space exploration, science, and discovery to the point where industry and international partners are willing and able to profitably take on larger, more complex missions. To do this, the Agency must undertake a transformation to a more modern integrated Digital Engineering approach to mission definition and planning. This paper highlights NASA's journey in understanding what this Digital Engineering Transformation means for the Agency, the benefits of this transformation to human exploration definition and planning, and the benefits to the current Artemis campaign engineering capability portfolio.