bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“PBS : a major enabler for Systems Engineering”
Authors: Tonnellier Edmond , Terrien Olivier 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn 2012, Thales Systèmes Aéroportés initiated a study on the Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) as a central enabler for Systems Engineering. Obvious similarities between tree‐like representations used throughout the entire lifecycle of a Solution suggest in a simplistic and reductive way that breakdown structures are only an unnecessary redundancy due to complementary businesses designating the same reality in different ways. However, a more precise study of international standards and a more careful examination of stepped uses of these tree frames show how different their purposes are and how they support different features of the system being designed. Nevertheless a confusion exists between these tools. Thus our paper asks a question of principle: “does this confusion come from imprecise and unclear standards on this subject, from incorrect interpretations of these by system architects or from vague approximations in the use of technical tools that structure and size R&D projects?”.
Incorporating Human Factor Concepts in the Lifecycle of Aerospace Systems
Authors: Silva Jackelynne 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper explains the need for a thorough understanding of the integration of human factors during all phases of a product's lifecycle in aerospace systems. The analysis is performed from a systems perspective, where humans are the nucleus of the system needed to accomplish a goal, rather than isolated parts looking to complete a single task. The lack of human factor considerations in early design phases triggers human errors during the assembly and test phases, creating increase in cost and slip on schedule. The paper proposes different measures that can be incorporated to current aerospace programs that deal with human safety. It also provides approaches for entrepreneurs and rising aerospace companies to be able to integrate human factor concepts in the development of their products. If human factor requirements are taken into account, costly errors at the manufacturing stage can be reduced when small errors are found early in the program.
Knowledge Capture, Cross Boundary Communication and Early Validation with Dynamic A3 Architectures
Authors: Singh Vickram , Muller Gerrit 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUnderstanding and extracting systems information is a time consuming, demanding and expensive process. Complicating factors are cross‐boundary communication methods and tools. We combine an informal and formal systems engineering method; Lean manufacturing principles and Model Based systems Engineering (MBSE) resulting in Dynamic A3 architecture. Dynamic A3 Architecture is a hierarchy of overviews from super‐system to sub‐system that the reader can navigate through active links. We applied the method to a lube oil system of a gas turbine package. We found that Dynamic A3 Architecture can ease internal and cross boundary communication, train new employees, facilitate knowledge capture, and share common understanding of the “system of interest”. A functional sequence diagram, which is a hybrid of a state and functional diagram, can assist in early validation of process applications.
Teaching Systems Engineering to Undergraduates; Experiences and Considerations
Authors: Muller Gerrit , Bonnema G. Maarten 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUndergraduates need a teaching style that fits their limited experience. Especially in systems engineering this is an issue, since systems engineering connects to so many different stakeholders with so many different concerns while the students have experienced only thus far only a few of these concerns and met only few stakeholders. Students need to become aware of the inherent ambiguities, uncertainties, and unknowns in the systems world, in contrast to the focused world of mono‐disciplinary engineering. There is a difference between the more traditional engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, etc.) and the upcoming and broader disciplines like industrial design engineering and systems engineering itself.
1.2.3 Reducing Scrap & Rework
Authors: Nolan Andy J. , Pickard Andrew C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA complex system almost always remains uncertain late into its development. In gas turbine engine control systems at Rolls‐Royce, typically 50% of the development costs of the software can be spent on corrections and modifications (scrap & rework). The scrap & rework is caused by both the evolution of the system and risks in the design and implementation. The paper summarises over 10 years of research in measuring, managing and reducing scrap & rework.
4.6.1 Affordability Considerations: Cost Effective Capability
Authors: Bobinis Joseph , Garrison Cheryl , Haimowitz Jay , Klingberg Jeff , Mitchell Terry , Tuttle Paul 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper examines how best to determine the contextual and dynamic attributes of an affordable system. The complexity of the problem cannot be overstated. The affordability trade space is composed of a relational set of attributes that are contextually sensitive; once this set is bounded, the need arises for an implicit comparison to other systems, sub‐systems and components. The problem may be embedded in how systems are designed, how they are governed, and how they are evolved. Considerations are provided to help resolve the complexities involved in identifying and evaluating what an affordable system is.Most of the existing literature is focused on cost comparison or performance comparison of systems separately; the literature which addresses a perspective of how cost and capability of systems can be integrated is found under the disciplines of Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV) and Value Engineering (VE), but appears insufficient in providing an encompassing framework in which to develop a design for affordability trade space. Both of these disciplines may not adequately address the life cycle or temporal dimensions of systems.To address this deficiency, INCOSE and National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) have worked to define affordability, and identify related concerns, through ongoing working groups since late 2009. Both organizations have developed definitions for use in this context. Even though affordability has been defined by NDIA, INCOSE and Military Operations Research Society (MORS), in discussions at the recent MORS Special Meeting on Affordability Analysis – How do we do it? (Oct.2012), the Development Planning Working Group discovered that affordability analysis was contextually‐sensitive, often leading to misunderstanding and fragmented perspectives. Various industry working groups have recommended developing and formalizing affordability analysis processes, including recognizing the difference between cost and affordability analyses… Key insights include the need to consistently define an affordability context, and establish a framework for the appropriate analytic process. They also have determined that accountability for affordability needs to be assigned across the life cycle.System Engineers must understand that the affordability trade space is fluid, an ever changing set of boundaries that evolve as mission needs evolve, and recognize that any affordable solution is essentially a “snapshot” within that trade space at any point in the life of the system.
1.2.1 Combating Uncertainty in the Workflow of Systems Engineering Projects
Authors: Papke Barry , Dove Rick 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThroughout the Systems Engineering Lifecycle events require personnel, systems, equipment, facilities and information to converge on time and at the right place in order to achieve a program objective. Unpredictability in any predecessor event can mean unpredictability for the overall project. The Last Planner is a production and planning method initially deployed in 1992 in the building construction industry as part of an effort to reduce work flow variability and improve production efficiency in the construction industry. The two key elements of the Last Planner are (1) a change in project management from a task‐oriented to a work‐flow oriented model and (2) processes to improve reliability of the workflow within the team or group performing the work. This paper examines the systems engineering lifecycle as a production lifecycle and explores the application of key elements of the Last Planner as a tool for system engineers to address uncertainty and unpredictability in the execution of a project.
Systems Engineering Process of a CubeSat from the Perspective of Operations
Authors: Arnaut Bruno Morato , Viot Diego Dutra , Costa Lucas Lopes , Loureiro Geilson , Bürger Eduardo Escobar , Franchitto Marcelo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper presents the application of a systems concurrent engineering approach to university CubeSats development. The university CubeSat, object of this paper, is a joint development between the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE) and the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA). The effort consists in developing a Brazilian CubeSat platform that can be industrialized in Brazil and takes advantage of a Systems Engineering Process approach. This Systems Engineering Process applied on the CubeSat includes mission and life‐cycle analysis, requirements engineering, functional analysis, architecture design, and uses an operation life‐cycle scenario as an example. The approach is supposed to be applied to every life‐cycle process. Thus, System Engineering Process gives a wide range view of the problem, guiding engineers to develop product and organization solutions throughout life‐cycle. This approach helps to solve technical and management issues that sometimes are not encompassed with just experienced staff and standard methods.
1.2.2 Closing the loop for lifecycle product management in Norwegian subsea systems
Authors: Mjånes Jan Ove , Haskins Cecilia , Piciaccia Luca A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSystems that we deploy in subsea natural environments face many of the same challenges as space‐based systems. This means that they are complex and often embedded as systems of systems. Norwegian firms excel in this industry and are increasingly applying systems engineering processes to ensure the success of their projects. However, these processes are defined as product development activities that do not accommodate the full product lifecycle. This paper investigates the project execution processes of a Norwegian subsea supplier and compares them to the systems engineering process baseline provided by ISO/IEC 15288:2008 for further analysis. Insights from this analysis are used to propose modifications to the current practices by closing the loop with a unified lifecycle model that bridges departmental divides. The research was performed as part of the master's thesis by the first author. Reflections on the usefulness of the standard as guidance are also offered.
Capabilities and Requirements Engineering: Research Challenges
Authors: Antunes Gonçalo , Vieira Ricardo , Borbinha José 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe concept of capability can be used to provide a holistic view of a product or system, while offering new ways of dealing with complexity. Despite being a concept successfully adopted in several areas, there is opportunity for innovative usages in the engineering of systems. Traditionally, system development methods begin with the gathering and analysis of requirements, and as such, the final product is expected to be in line with the needs of the stakeholders. However, many engineering problems are often situated in complex socio‐technical contexts, where systems are characterized as being highly contextual and uncertainty is a constant. Moreover, potential solutions might involve the adoption and integration of off‐the‐shelf solutions into the systems, or even the reutilization of existing solutions in different settings than those for which they were conceived initially, which is not particularly considered in nowadays engineering methods. This work proposes the usage of the concept of capability in requirements engineering, relating it to the concept of requirement. Based on this proposal, research challenges are identified.
Intelligent Method Mix Delivers Right First Time Specifications
Authors: Mauseler Marc 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe approach presented in this paper describes how specifications can be created right first time. This includes identifying the real customer needs, and avoiding both over‐ and under‐specification. Another result is a complete functional view on the deliverable to specify that is a valuable element to have an efficient communication between all involved parties starting from customers and stakeholders to project leader and designer. The key is the right selection and combination of methods for the project related situation on the one hand. On the other hand the tailoring of each applied method is as much as important than the right method selection itself. The approach is validated by different projects specifying different deliverables in different time frames.
Update on the Model Based Systems Engineering on the Europa Mission Concept Study
Authors: Bayer Todd J. , Chung Seung , Cole Bjorn , Cooke Brian , Dekens Frank , Delp Chris , Gontijo I. , Wagner Dave 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn May 2012 the Europa study team delivered to NASA the final reports on three distinct concepts for exploring Europa on a limited budget. The depth and quality of these reports have been widely praised by independent reviewers as well as by our sponsor. The application of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques is credited with enabling the team to study three quite different mission concepts for the resources normally sufficient to study only one or two. The Europa MBSE infusion itself has been awarded the NASA Systems Engineering Excellence Award in 2012. The Europa team is now preparing for its Mission Concept Review and has reaffirmed and strengthened the MBSE application. Significant new capabilities have been completed, most importantly the Powered Equipment List (PEL) and the computation of scenario‐based power and energy margins. This paper provides an update on the continued successful application of MBSE in the dynamic environment of early mission formulation, the significant new results produced and several additional lessons learned in the process.
8.4.2 On the Right Track: A Case for Applying Systems Engineering to Writing Transport Policy
Authors: Evans Rhianne , Roberts Clive 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGovernment policy documents communicate the high‐level requirements for many of the complex systems at the centre of modern society. In Great Britain, national and European policy has a significant influence on transport systems. However, government publications are often difficult to interpret by the engineers responsible for the delivery of political objectives. The Systems Engineering discipline advocates the importance of accurately defining the purpose of a system early in the development stage. However, efforts in this area are typically focussed on engineering processes. Yet if high‐level requirements are poorly defined at a policy level, this can be detrimental to the success of a system. This research therefore proposes the application of Systems Engineering principles earlier in the lifecycle, during the policy‐writing process. The paper presents an analysis of the 2011 European Union White Paper for transport, which was compared against Systems Engineering best practice. The results show ambiguity, poor structure and lack of traceability in the document. The paper provides an introduction to the problem and identifies a number of alternative approaches for writing policy which will be further explored in future work. The case study focusses on the British rail system, but lessons learned can equally be applied to transport systems worldwide, and other policy‐driven domains.
Information Technology (IT) Project Management Failures: Pioneering Grounded Theory Exploring the IT Project Failure Trend Data Sampling Selection Methodology
Authors: Stoica Rosana , Brouse Peggy 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses the qualitative component of the data collection, analysis and validation process within a Multi‐method research framework. The “functional” purpose of this research is to uncover the key “soft factors” impacting Information technology project success (and failures). The authors hypothesize that alarming (and increasing) rates of IT Project Failure (Stoica and Brouse, 2012) are strong indicators that this systemic trend has not yet been addressed from a root cause perspective. This trend has been explored from a distinctive lens integrating Grounded Theory, Social Theory and Systems Dynamic principles within the Multi‐method construct. This study capitalizes its validation against Field Methods within Social Sciences (Guest at. al., 2006). This key purpose of this paper is to present the statistical robustness as well as challenges of the data (post collection) gathered for the assessment of this systemic issue (and not its “functional” interpretation – which is addressed on separate publications).
System Architecture Process and Modeling in the Development of an Innovative Battery System
Authors: Snyder Ray 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA prototype Aluminum‐air battery system was developed for exploration of the use of the technology in future electric vehicles. A system engineering process was applied to architecture the system that included hazard analysis and the application of the resulting safety constraints. The system development was also modeled in SysML up to handoff to the component domain specific developments. This article describes the broad lines of the development direction and choices and the accompanying modeling. The modeling approach can permit gains for reuse in subsequent projects, and can also aid the quick communication of the choices that were made in case new needs call them in question. We show how heterogeneous external models can be constructed around a central SysML model.
9.5.1 Functional Architecture's Mental Roadblocks and Other Things Your Mother Didn't Tell You
Authors: Armstrong James R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThere are several concepts that are critical to effective development of a functional architecture that tend to be challenging to the new practitioner, even when they are experienced engineers. They are seldom discussed in the exiting literature addressing what functional architecture is and how to do modeling as part of it. This paper provides the most important of these points as seen both in the classroom and in practice.
2.2.1 Sharing the Total Cost of Ownership of Electric Vehicles: A Study on the Application of Game Theory
Authors: Góngora Hugo G. Chalé , Doufene Abdelkrim , Krob Daniel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we present the contribution of game theory to the search of architectural equilibrium in the context of complex systems engineering. Our design approach is based on the use of an architectural design framework and of optimization models, illustrated by a practical example in which the system of interest is a commercial electric vehicle in its ecosystem. We rely on systems engineering in order to clearly understand the system we want to study and its environment, during the entire life cycle of the system. For interdependent decisions between stakeholders in the lifecycle of the system, the concept of equilibrium is important. Architectural equilibrium of the system guarantees its integration in its environment, the stability of the environment and the satisfaction of all stakeholders. This is modeled as a game in the sense of game theory leading to a Nash equilibrium, which allows anticipating for changes in an uncertain environment (departure of a stakeholder, arrival of a new actor, changes in requirements or constraints and so on).
3.1.1 Transformative Affordability for System Architecture Design
Authors: Herald Thomas E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe US Department of Defense (DoD) has undergone major evolutionary shifts in recent years that include movement from a platform focus to a mission objective, from single‐purpose solutions to systems with adaptive relevancy, from focus on primary systems only to embracing holistic solutions integrating enabling and support systems and from acquisition‐only costs to complete life cycle cost analyses. Dr. Robert Gates, challenged contractors to define and deliver compliant ‘80% solutions‘.* How does this affordability challenge change architecture design?* Dr. Gates: “Finally, I concluded we needed to shift away from the 99 percent exquisite, service‐centric platforms that are so costly and so complex that they take forever to build and only then are deployed in very limited quantities. With the pace of technological and geopolitical change and the range of possible contingencies, we must look more to the 80 percent multi‐service solutions that can be produced on time, on budget and in significant numbers.”
On Contradiction and Systems Thinking
Authors: Yeo K T 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a systems insight on Mao TseTung's classic, On Contradiction, representing his philosophical thinking about social and political transformation, through the dialectic thought of the universality and particularity of contradiction. The identification and resolution of contradictions move human society forward. The application of the theory of contradiction is through recognizing and separating the principal from non‐principal contradictions and the grasping and dealing with the principal aspects of such contradictions. The theory of contradiction provides an alternative frame of mind suitable for high level analysis of stakeholders' needs and requirements. The notion of contradiction is not be perceived negatively by recognising the Law of the Unity of Opposites. For application, an example on resolving contradictions in the development of Singapore's national water system is included; and a comparison is also made to contrast the principles of contradiction versus the Theory of Constraint (TOC) for systems improvement.
Measures of Inland Waterway Network Resilience
Authors: Baroud Hiba , Barker Kash , Ramirez‐Marquez Jose 
Published: November 2014

AbstractInland waterways represent a vital component in the larger multi‐modal transportation network that maintains commodity flows across the US. These waterways are subject to disruptive events including whether malevolent attacks, natural disasters, manmade accidents, or common failures. As such, an ability to quantify the vulnerability and recoverability of inland waterways, as it pertains to the inclusive measure of network resilience, is addressed in this work. The paper deploys existing resilience measures to quantify the resilience of inland waterway networks, including: (i) a stochastic measure of time required for the network to achieve full resilience, and (ii) associated resilience‐based component importance measures that highlight the critical waterway links that contribute to waterway network resilience. A data‐driven case study illustrates these metrics to describe commodity flows along the various links of the US Mississippi River Navigation System.
5.1.1 Applying Systems Architecture to Technology Policy Research: Models of Space Activity in Developing Countries
Authors: Wood Danielle 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper presents results from a study on emerging satellite programs in developing countries. A Systems Architecture Framework is used as a tool to enable social science research in technology policy. The study finds that the Architectural Framework is useful for integrating concepts from disparate literature communities; decomposing a socio‐technical system into progressively lower levels of analysis; and synthesizing findings to enable explanation and theory building.