3.4.2 Research on a Framework for Selecting and Applying Systems Engineering Tools for Australian Small and Medium Enterprises – II

Abstract

Abstract. Many of the subsystems developed by the Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are integrated into military systems developed by larger companies. If the SMEs cannot win and sustain defence contracts to develop the subsystems because of their lack of systems capability, then the ability of the Australian Defence to develop and deploy needed systems will be adversely affected. By systems capability it is meant effectual use of sound systems engineering (SE) processes and effective use of SE tools. Unlike most large organisations, many of the Australian SMEs engaging in defence work have not widely employed SE processes and tools in their endeavour. In addition, the SE software tools currently used by the Australian SMEs do not appear to have effectively aided the SMEs in their work. This paper describes a methodology employed in the development of a framework for aiding Australian SMEs in defence work in effectively acquiring and applying SE processes and tools and thereby helping to improve their systems capability. Specifically, the methodology involves a collection and analysis of information, using qualitative grounded theory as the fundamental analysis technique, and NVivo software as the analysis tool. The paper also discusses some preliminary results of the research and future work.