7.3.1 A Complexity Typology for Systems Engineering

Abstract

Abstract This paper shows how the literature on complexity is related to complex systems and to systems engineering. A framework for types of complexity is proposed that includes three types of structural complexity (size, connectivity, and architecture), two types of dynamic complexity (short‐term and long‐term), and one additional type, socio‐political complexity. These types cover most of the characteristics of complexity mentioned in the reviewed literature; omissions are noted. It would be advantageous to identify specific measures of complexity so that the complexity of systems or development programs could be compared and tracked, and risks could be identified and mitigated. To this end an overview of systems engineering measurement is provided, followed by a discussion of how complexity types might be able to be measured. At this point, however, a composite measurement of the six types of complexity is not recommended.