State‐of‐practice survey of model‐based systems engineering

Abstract

This paper aims to examine and document the current state of practice of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and how organizations look toward the future. The paper is based on a survey of how MBSE has been applied and factors that influenced the perceived benefits and results.The survey was designed to evaluate the maturity and status of the implementation of MBSE (also called model-centric systems engineering), within industry, academia, and governments. The approach to the survey development is described along with the survey results. The study indicates that one of the main hurdles to introducing a model-based approach is the lack of clear and adopted organizational structures and an understanding of required conditions and needs at a management level. The survey also indicates that 50-75% of the respondents noted some improvement or a significant improvement across almost all systems engineering tasks. K E Y W O R D S analytical hierarchy process (AHP), model-based systems engineering (MBSE), systems engineering, systems engineering management, systems modeling language (SysML), Unified Modeling Language (UML) 134

Research needs in systems engineering: Report from a University of Alabama in Huntsville workshop

“…Although much discussion throughout the workshop centered around MBSE, it should be noted the purpose of the workshop was not to assess the current state of MBSE, but to understand research needs of SE on a much broader level. More exhaustive treatment of MBSE can be found in targeted state‐of‐practice surveys . The following summarizes the main questions concerning these three topics by the participants during the introductory roundtable.…”

“…More exhaustive treatment of MBSE can be found in targeted state-ofpractice surveys. 3 The following summarizes the main questions concerning these three topics by the participants during the introductory roundtable.…”

Modeling and structuring design rationale to enable knowledge reuse

“…(p48) The major inhibitors are cultural, lack of perceived value, availability of skills, lack of management support, learning curve, etc. (p142) Due to unavailability of engineers, data security, and lack of support from management, we were not able to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed model. However, a workshop could be arranged in future with those engineers to model public cases like the damper case shown in this paper.…”

“…We use model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) as a recipe to capture design rationale that is used as a foundation to perform SE activities . (p139) According to INCOSE SE handbook, MBSE improves communication, managing complexity, quality, knowledge capture, teaching, and learning of engineering basics . (p136) In a survey, over 60% of the responses state that it enhances understanding of function, behavior, and structure of the system .…”

“…(p139) According to INCOSE SE handbook, MBSE improves communication, managing complexity, quality, knowledge capture, teaching, and learning of engineering basics . (p136) In a survey, over 60% of the responses state that it enhances understanding of function, behavior, and structure of the system . (pp141‐143)…”