Chapter 1 Flashcards
System Concepts
System concepts include the definition of a system, the structure of a system, categories of a system, and the concept of a system of systems. These concepts inform the engineering of trustworthy secure systems.
Systems and System Structure
A system is a collection of parts that work together to create behaviours or qualities that the individual parts alone cannot produce. Engineered systems are designed to operate in specific environments, achieve goals, and follow rules.
System of Systems
A system of systems if a system composed of interacting systems that offer unique capabilities that individual systems cannot provide independently. It may include infrastructure, facilities, and processes that enable constituent systems to work together effectively.
Interfacing Systems
Interfacing systems are systems that interact with the main system, exchanging data, energy, or resources. These interactions can be one-way or bidirectional and can occur at different stages of the main system’s life cycle.
Enabling Systems
Enabling systems provide essential services needed to create and support the main system. Examples include software development tools, production systems, training systems, and maintenance systems.
Interoperating Systems
Interoperating systems interact with the main system to jointly perform a function, contributing to the overall functionality and capabilities of the system.
Systems Engineering Foundations
Systems engineering is an approach that ensures the successful development, use and retirement of engineered systems. It combines principles from various fields and employs systems science and thinking to meet stakeholder needs within constraints like cost, schedule, performance, and effectiveness.
Trust and Trustworthiness
Trust is the belief that an entity meets certain expectations and can be relied upon, but it doesn’t guarantee the entity’s trustworthiness. Trustworthiness is demonstrated by evidence and is based on an entity’s ability to be relied upon, especially when facing challenges.
Trustworthiness in Engineering
Trustworthiness in engineering is based on evidence and supports the idea that an entity is worthy of trust. Unlike trust, trustworthiness considers the consequences of expectations not being met due to non-performance, incompetence, deficiency, or failure.
Systems Science and Thinking
Systems science is an interdisciplinary field that studies systems in various domains, such as natural, social, and engineering systems. It focuses on understanding the interrelationships, feedback loops, and dynamic behaviour of these systems.
Systems Engineering Goals
The goal of systems engineering is to reduce uncertainty and manage risk, focusing on outcomes and using engineering processes to build a system while handling complexity.
Integration in Systems Engineering
Systems engineering is the key method for integrating technical, management, and support activities in engineering. It ensures that all aspects work together to achieve the desired system performance.
Contextual Dependence of Systems Engineering
Systems engineering is specific to each system and depends on the context in which the system operates. Close coordination between the engineering team and stakeholders is essential throughout the system’s life cycle.
Ongoing Systems Engineering
Systems engineering doesn’t stop once a system is developed and operational. It continues to gather data from users and stakeholders, capture experiences and problems, and offer support for operations, maintenance, and sustainment.
Risk of Granting Trust without Trustworthiness
Granting trust without establishing trustworthiness significantly increases the risk, as it may lead to consequences when expectations are not met due to non-performance, incompetence, deficiency, or failure.
