System of Systems Engineering

TLDR

SoSE addresses complex systems problems, and current perspectives on systems of systems are examined. The article aims to develop the concept, foundations, research directions, and practice implications of System of Systems Engineering by synthesizing existing perspectives, identifying gaps, and proposing a research agenda. The authors synthesize existing perspectives into common themes, identify gaps, and propose a structured research agenda for SoSE. They present a perspective on SoSE that outlines implications for design, deployment, operation, transformation, and for systems engineering practitioners.

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this article is to develop the concept, foundations, research directions, and practice implications for System of Systems Engineering (SoSE). First, we introduce the nature of the complex systems problems faced by SoSE. Second, current perspectives of system of systems are explored. These perspectives are synthesized to a set of common themes in the literature and shortcomings in the current state of SoSE are identified. Third, we provide our perspective of SoSE, with implications for design, deployment, operation, and transformation of complex systems of systems. Fourth, we propose the structure for a research agenda to advance the knowledge and practice of SoSE. We close by developing implications of SoSE for systems engineering practitioners.