Chapter 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of Chapter 2 of the INCOSE Handbook

Answer 1

This chapter offers a brief overview of the systems engineering (SE) discipline, beginning with a few key definitions, an abbreviated survey of the origins of the discipline, and discussions on the value of applying SE. Other concepts such as systems science, systems thinking, SE Leadership, SE Ethics, and professional development are also introduced.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.1

Question 2

What is the INCOSE definition of a system?

Answer 2

An integrated set of elements, subsystems, or assemblies that accomplish a defined objective. These elements include products (hardware, software, firmware), processes people, information, techniques, facilities, services, and support elements.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.1

Question 3

What is the ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 definition of a system?

Answer 3

A combination of interacting elements organised to achieve one or more stated purposes.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.1

Question 4

What is the definition of the system boundary?

Answer 4

The system boundary is a ‘line of demarcation’ between the system itself and its greater context (to include the operating system).

Chap. 2.
Para 2.2.1

Question 5

What is the definition of a systems functionality?

Answer 5

A system’s functionality is typically expressed in terms of the interactions of the system with its operating environment, especially the users.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.2.1

Question 6

What is the definition of system architecture?

Answer 6

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.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.2.1

Question 7

What is an attribute of a system (or system element)?

Answer 7

An attribute of a system (or system element) is an observable characteristic or property of the system (or system element).
Attributes are presented variables. Specifically, a variable is a symbol or name that identifies an attribute.
an example is airspeed for an aircraft.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.2.2

Question 8

What is a measurement?

Answer 8

A measurement is the outcome of a process in which the system of interest (SOI) interacts with an observation system under specified conditions. The outcome of a measurement is the assignment of a value to a variable.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.2.2

Question 9

With reference to a system, what is a state?

Answer 9

A system is in a state when the values assigned to its attributes remain constant or steady for a meaningful period of time.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.2

Question 10

With reference to a system, what is dynamic Behaviour?

Answer 10

Dynamic behaviour of a system is the time evolution of the system state.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.2

Question 11

With reference to a system, what is Emergent Behaviour?

Answer 11

Emergent behaviour is a behaviour of the system that cannot be understood exclusively in terms of the behaviour of the individual system elements.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.2

Question 12

With reference to a system, what is the difference between a black and white box representations?

Answer 12

A black box view is based on an external view of a system (attributes) whereas; a white box view representation is based on an internal view of the system (attributes and structure of the elements). There must also be an understanding of the relationship between the two. A system is therefore 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.

Chap. 2
Para 2.2.2

Question 13

What is system integration?

Answer 13

The integration of system elements must establish the relationship between the effects that organising the elements has on their interactions. and how these effects enable the system to achieve its purpose.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.3

Question 14

What is the definition of system hierarchy?

Answer 14

The system life cycle processes…are described in relation to a system that is composed of a set of interacting system elements, each of which can be implemented to fulfil its respective specified requirements.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.3

Question 15

What is a system of systems (SoS)?

Answer 15

a System of Systems (SoI) is 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.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 16

What are the five characteristics can be useful when deciding whether a particular SOI is better understood as a SoS?

Answer 16

1. Operational independence of constituent systems,
2. Managerial independence of constituent systems,
3. Geographical distribution,
4. Emergent behaviour, and
5. Evolutionary development processes.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 16

In terms of Systems of Systems, what is the difference between the term ‘complexity’ and the term ‘complicated’?

Answer 16

Complexity is essentially different from ‘complicated’.
In complicated systems, such as an automobile, the interactions between many parts are governed by a single relationship.
Complex systems such as the air transport system, interactions between the parts exhibit self organisation, where local interactions give rise to novel, nonlocal, emergent patterns.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 17

What are the seven (7) challenges faced with engineering SoS?
(SLCCATS)

Answer 17

1. SoS Authorities;
2. Leadership;
3. Constituent Systems;
4. Capabilities and Requirements;
5. Autonomy, Interdepencies, and Emergence;
6. Testing, validation, and learning.
7. SoS Principles.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 18

What are the seven (7) challenges faced with engineering SoS?
(SLCCATS)

Answer 18

1. SoS Authorities;
2. Leadership;
3. Constituent Systems;
4. Capabilities and Requirements;
5. Autonomy, Interdependencies, and Emergence;
6. Testing, validation, and learning.
7. SoS Principles.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 18

What are the seven (7) challenges faced with engineering an SoS?
(SLCCATS)

Answer 18

1. SoS Authorities;
2. Leadership;
3. Constituent Systems;
4. Capabilities and Requirements;
5. Autonomy, Interdependencies, and Emergence;
6. Testing, validation, and learning.
7. SoS Principles.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.4

Question 19

What is an enabling system?

Answer 19

Enabling systems are systems that facilitate the lifecycle activities of the SoI. The enabling systems provide services that are needed by the SoI during one or more lifecycle stages, although the enabling systems are not a direct element of the operational environment.

Chap.2
Para 2.5

Question 20

What is the INCOSE definition of Systems Engineering

Answer 20

Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realisation of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem: operations, cost, and schedule, performance, training and support, test, manufacturing, and disposal. Systems engineering integrates all the discipline and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. Systems engineering considers both the business and technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs

Chap. 2.
Para 2.6

Question 21

What is the Eisner definition of Systems Engineering?

Answer 21

Systems Engineering is an iterative process of top-down synthesis, development, and operation of a real-world system that satisfies, in a near-optimal manner, the full range of requirements for the system.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.6

Question 22

What is the FAA definition of systems engineering?

Answer 22

Systems engineering is a discipline that concentrates on the design and application of the whole (system) as distinct from the parts. It involves looking at a problem in its entirety, taking into account all the facets and all the variables and relating the social to the technical aspects.

Chap. 2.
Para 2.6