Systems Theory as a Conceptual Foundation for System of Systems Engineering

Abstract

Systems theory (ST) can provide the developing systems of systems engineering (SoSE) field and practice with a strong conceptual foundation. ST is presented as a taken for granted set of axioms and corresponding propositions that explain the phenomena, patterns, and tendencies of complex systems. The results of ST are observable in the behavior and performance of systems. We argue that ST offers a critical grounding for the future development and practice of SoSE. Our exploration examines the necessity, contributions, and implications of ST as an influential conceptual foundation to accelerate and guide SoSE development and practice.

Systems Theory: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice for Systems Engineering

“…Systems Theory (ST) provides a strong conceptual foundation that can influence design, execution, and development of complex systems. Following works on ST (Adams et al, 2014;Whitney et al, 2015;Keating, et al 2016), at a basic level ST can be described as a set of axioms (taken for granted truths about systems) and propositions (principles, concepts, and laws serving to explain system phenomena). ST suggests several central tenets concerning the capacity to deal with environments marked by increasing complexity, instabilities, and ambiguity.…”

“…ST provides a strong conceptual foundation that can influence design, execution, and development of complex systems. Lacking a widely accepted definition of ST and following the work of Keating, et al (2016), at a basic level ST can be described as a set of axioms (taken for granted truths about systems) and propositions (principles, concepts, and laws serving to explain system phenomena). As Rousseau (2015) points out, ST has not yet generated the long-sought founding objective of discovery of a General Systems Theory.…”

“…Following work in Systems Theory (Keating et al, 2016;Adams et al, 2014;Whitney et al, 2015) we examine axioms and propositions that are representative of the basis of Systems Theory. An axiom is taken as an accepted statement/concept that has been established over time and accepted without further explanation.…”

A Governance Perspective for System-of-Systems

“…Complex System Governance (CSG) is a methodological approach to improve system performance through purposeful design, execution, and evolution of essential metasystem functions [12,[74][75][76][77][78][79]. CSG emphasizes communication, control, coordination, and integration of complex systems through the effective performance of the metasystem functions.…”

“…In response, there are increasing calls for multidisciplinary approaches capable of confronting the elements of ambiguity, emergence, and uncertainty. This research places emphasis on exploring System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], and evolution of the field to increase effectiveness as a multidisciplinary approach. Our knowledge and developments of the SoSE field lag in the pace of technological innovation [10,15].…”