Problem Definition Methodology to Enable Analysis of Multi-Layered System-of-Systems

Abstract

The proposed paper will focus on a methodology developed within the COLOSSUS project to set up a complex SoS, namely the steps that allow to precisely document and define the problem to be analyzed. The paper will outline a sequential process that starts from the actual field of application where the “system-of-interest” (such as an innovation, anew product or a service) has to exercise its specific capabilities within an overarching setting that will allow a more realistic evaluation and assessment. Core elements are use cases which define the purpose and the environment in which the new system will operate. For each use case, the relevant stakeholders and their specific needs will then be identified. The needs can be translated into key value indicators (KVIs) which logically interconnect the stakeholders by their interests. Ultimately, to enable a quantitative model-based simulation, analysis and evaluation of different SoS alternatives, value functions are derived by combining KVIs into proper mathematical expressions that aim to quantify the objectives associated with the simulated scenarios