What this book covers

Chapter 1, Introduction to Systems Engineering, this chapter provides a brief history of Systems Engineering and what differentiates it from other disciplines of engineering. The real-world need for Systems Engineering is explored by considering the increased complexity of today’s systems, the need for effective and efficient communication, and the need for a clear context-based understanding of different stakeholders’ views of our systems.

Chapter 2, Model-Based Systems Engineering, this chapter introduces the most effective and efficient way to realise Systems Engineering in the form of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE). The System and its model are discussed, along with the importance of a framework that provides the blueprint for the model and the various visualisation techniques, such as SysML. This is then expanded to include tools and best practice to ensure that the model is as effective as possible.

Chapter 3, Systems and Interfaces, this chapter describes exactly what we mean by a System and the different types of System that exist, including Systems of Systems. We also look into the structure of Systems and their System elements: subsystems, assemblies, and components are discussed along with how they are arranged in hierarchies. The importance of understanding the relationships between these System elements is explained as well as how this impacts on the System behaviour. Behavioural concepts such as states, modes and interactions are then defined. The key concept of the interfaces that connect a System together and to other Systems is explained and the requirements for such interfaces are defined.

Chapter 4, Life Cycles, this chapter introduces the concept of life cycles and the evolution of a System. Different types of life cycle are introduced along with the importance of the potentially complex relationships between them. The basic construct of a life cycle, the stage, is introduced and an example System life cycle based on best practice is defined. The behaviour of life cycles is then described by considering life cycle models and some of the different types of execution of models. The international best practice model of ISO 15288 and its processes are used as a reference for these life cycle stages.

Chapter 5, Systems Engineering Processes, this chapter introduces the concepts of processes and their related elements, such as activities, artefacts, stakeholders, and resources, and the four different categorisations of processes. We also describe each of these four categories and their associated processes. We emphasise the importance of effective processes that define the overall approach to Systems Engineering. The international best practice model of ISO 15288 and its processes are used as a reference for these processes.

Chapter 6, Needs and Requirements, the importance of needs is introduced along with different types, specifically requirements. The whole are a of stakeholder needs identification and analysis is described along with the views necessary to understand the different aspects of needs. Describing needs using text is introduced and then how to define contexts that may be used for the basis of use cases, followed by how these use cases may be validated by describing scenarios. There is then a discussion of how needs fit into the Systems life cycle and which processes are relevant and how to comply with them.

Chapter 7, Modeling the Design, this chapter discusses how solutions may be defined by developing effective designs. Various levels of abstraction of design are discussed, such as architectural design and detailed design. Also, different aspects of design, such as logical, functional, and physical designs, are introduced and the relationships between them are defined. There is then a discussion of how design fits into the Systems life cycle and which processes are relevant and how to comply with them.

Chapter 8, Modeling Verification and Validation, this chapter introduces how the system may be demonstrated to be fit for purpose by introducing the concepts of verification (the system works) and validation (the system does what it is supposed to do). We describe a number of techniques that show how verification and validation may be applied at different levels of abstraction of the system. There is then a discussion of how verification and validation fit into the systems life cycle and which processes are relevant and how to comply with them.

Chapter 9, Methodologies, this chapter describes some of the most widely-used methodologies for Systems Engineering that are used in modern industry. Some of these use specific techniques whilst others are variations on standard life-cycle model. Each is described at a high level and examples given, along with a summary of the methodology’s effective use. There is then a discussion of how methodologies fit into the systems life cycle and which processes are relevant and how to comply with them.

Chapter 10, Systems Engineering Management, this chapter provides an overview of some of the key management processes and associated techniques that need to be considered and how they can be implemented, as well as the relationship between the management techniques and the technical techniques.

Chapter 11, Deploying MBSE, this chapter discusses the all-important issue of how to deploy MBSE in a real organization. It introduces the Trinity approach to MBSE deployment, which covers three main areas: the reason why MBSE is needed, the current and target MBSE capability, and the current target MBSE evolution.

Chapter 12, The Art of Modeling, this chapter takes a departure from the previous structure of the book by providing some insights, hints, and tips on how to apply MBSE effectively. The contents of this chapter is based solely on the author’s personal experiences of working in the field of MBSE for the last 30+ years. As such, the information presented here is often anecdotal and based on empirical evidence and should be taken in the form of general advice, rather than being carved in stone.

Chapter 13, Best Practices, this short chapter provides a set of information that can be used by readers to continue their Systems Engineering in their own organizations. This includes modern standards and other best-practice sources such as guidelines and also a list of organizations who actively promote Systems Engineering and provide valuable resources.