Ch2 Systems Engineering Overview Flashcards
What is a system concept
A shared “mental representation” of the actual system.
What is the INCOSE definition of a system
An integrated set of elements, subsystems, or assemblies that accomplish a defined objective. These elements include products (HW, SW, firmware), processes, people, information, techniques, facilities, services, and other support elements.
What should be shown in the external view
Elements that specifically do not belong to the system but do interact with the system. This collection of elements is called the “operating environment or context” and can include the users (or operators) of the sytem.
What is a “system boundary”
A “line of demarcation” between the system itself and its greater context. It defines what belongs to the system and what does not.
How is the functionality of a system defined
It is typically expressed in terms of the interactions of the system with its operating environment, especially the users. When a system is considered as an integrated combination of interacting elements, the functionality of the system derives also from how these interactions are influenced by the organization (interrelations) of the system elements.
What is the definition of “system architecture”
The fundamental concepts or properties of a system in its environment embodied in its elements, relationships, and in the principles of its design and evolution.
What is an “attribute” of a system
An observable characteristic or property of the system.
What is the definition of a system state
A system is in a “state” when the values assigned to its attributes remain constant or steady for a meaningful period of time.
What is a “dynamic behavior”
It is the time evolution of the system state
What is an “emergent behavior”
A behavior of the system that cannot be understood exclusively in terms of the behavior of the individual system elements.
What represents a system
A system is represented by the external attributes of the system, its internal attributes and structure, and the interrelationships between these that are governed by the laws of science.
What is the definition of “system of systems”
An SOI whose elements are managerially and/or operationally independent systems. These interoperating and/or integrated collections of constituent systems usually produce results unachievable by the individual systems alone.
Which characteristics should be considered when deciding if a particular SOI can be better understood as a SoS
Operational independence of constituent systems; managerial independence of constituent systems; geographical distribution; emergent behavior; evolutionary development processes.
What are enabling systems
Systems that facilitate the life cycle activities of the SOI. They are not a direct element of the operational environment.
What is the definition of “system engineering”
An interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems.
