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Research Challenges in SoSE
Professor Michael Henshaw
Loughborough University, UK
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Professor Michael Henshaw
Head of Systems Division,
Loughborough University
Group Leader: ESoS
Engineering Systems of
Systems
BSc. (Hons), PhD – Applied
Physics, U. of Hull, MBA –
U. Lincoln & Humberside
British Aerospace (later
BAE Systems): 1989-2006
Professor of Systems
Engineering,
Loughborough University:
2006-
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Content
SoSE is born? – or is now sufficiently important to
warrant attention
What are we talking about?
Other owners of SoS (besides ourselves)
European Research – agenda
European Research – activities
What about the people?
Who are the researchers of SoSE?
The challenges – what to do next
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Acknowledgements
© Loughborough University, 2014
Vishal Barot, Huseyin Dogan, Sharon Henson, Carys Siemieniuch,
Murray Sinclair, Andrew Kinder, Cornelius Ncube, Soo Ling Lin, Mo
Jamshidi, Dan DeLaurentis, the ROAD2SOS team, the DANSE team, the
COMPASS team, Judith Dahmann, Neil Lindsay,
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SOSE IS BORN? – OR IS NOW SUFFICIENTLY
IMPORTANT TO WARRANT ATTENTION
© Loughborough University, 2014
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A Case for an International Consortium on Systems-of-Systems Engineering
A misleading perception in the early days of SoS
was that the application domain is exclusively
information technology (IT) and, in particular, the
“Internet.” This perception is of course far from the
truth and one should simply look at the defense and
aeronautics community in the U.S. to note the
many defense and security scenarios that fall
naturally into SoS frameworks
Areas of Application
Defence
Civil transportation
Critical infrastructure
Healthcare
Global earth observation
Etc.
Dan De Laurentis, Charles Dickerson, Michael DiMario, Paul Gartz, Mo M. Jamshidi,, Saeid Nahavandi, Andrew P. Sage, Elliot B. Sloane,and
Donald R. Walker (2007), A Case for an International Consortium on System-of-Systems Engineering, IEEE SYSTEMS JOURNAL, VOL. 1,
NO. 1
Dan De Laurentis
Research and development issues such as
Standards, Network centricity, Simulation,
Modelling, System engineering tools for SoS,
management of SoS, Emergence, Evolution,
etc.,
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Context: Evolution of SoS Engineering
Sousa-Poza, A., Kovacic, S., Keating, C. (2008) ‘Systems of systems engineering:
an emerging multidiscipline’, Int. J. Systems of Systems Engineering, 1(1/2)
Socio - Technical
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Loads of Systems of Systems Definitions
Manthorpe (1996); military inspired
In relation to joint war fighting, systems of systems is concerned with interoperability
and synergism of command, control, computers, communications, and information (C4I)
and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
Lusasik (1998)
SoSE involves the integration of systems into systems of systems that ultimately
contribute to evolution of the social infrastructure.
Pei (2000); military inspired
Systems of systems integration is a method to pursue development, integration,
interoperability, optimization of systems to enhance performance in future battlefield
scenario
Carlock and Fenton (2001)
Systems of systems are large-scale concurrent and distributed systems that are
comprised of complex systems
Jamshidi (2005); based on Maier criteria
Systems of systems exist where there is a presence of a majority of the following five
characteristics: operational and managerial independence, geographic distribution,
emergent behaviour, and evolutionary development
© Loughborough University, 2014
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…and so they went on
DoD Defense Acquisition Guidebook (Defense Acquisition University 2004)
A system of systems is set or arrangement of systems that results when independent
and useful systems are integrated into a larger system that delivers unique capabilities.
INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook V.3 (INCOSE 2007)
System of systems applies to a system-of-interest whose system elements are
themselves systems; typically these entail large scale inter-disciplinary problems with
multiple, heterogeneous, distributed systems.
US DoD JCIDS Manual (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 2007b)
A system of systems is a set or arrangement of interdependent systems that are related
or connected to provide a given capability. The loss of any part of the system will
significantly degrade the performance or capabilities of the whole.
SoSA CF WG1 (2010)
A System of Systems is a set or arrangement of systems that result when independent
and useful systems are combined into a larger system that delivers unique capabilities
D. Luzeaux (2013)
A system of systems is an assembly of systems which can potentially be acquired and/or
used independently, and whose global value chain the designer, buyer and/or user is
looking to maximise, at a given time and for a set of conceivable assemblies
© Loughborough University, 2014
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My definition!
© Loughborough University, 2014
https://www.south-tynedale-
railway.org.uk/kidzone/
Systems of
Systems
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SoS(E)
A SoS is an integration of a finite number of constituent systems which are independent
and operatable, and which are networked together for a period of time to achieve a
certain higher goal. (Jamshidi, 2009)
• Operational independence of component
systems
• Managerial independence of component
systems
• Geographical distribution
• Emergent behaviour
• Evolutionary development processes
(Maier, 1996)
Directed Acknowledged Collaborative Virtual
Based on Dahmann & Baldwin, 2008
Dahmann, J. & Baldwin, K., 2008. Understanding the Current State of US Defense Systems of Systems and the Implications for Systems Engineering. Montreal, Canada, s.n.
Jamshidi, M., 2009. Ch. 1.. In: Systems of Systems Engineering - Principles and Applications. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, p. 1.
Maier, M. W., 1996. Architecting principles for system-of-systems. Boston, MA, USA, July, pp. 567-574.
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Focus of SoSE
α-level systems
β-level systems
γ-level system
Managerial
independence
Operational
independence
Emergence
Evolutionary
Geographic
Distribution
So
SE
S
E Single
systems
So
SE
Pro
ble
m
Sp
ac
e
After from: DeLaurentis, D., Crossley, W.A., Mane, M.,
"Taxonomy to Guide Systems-of-Systems Decision-Making in
Air Transportation Problems", AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 48,
No. 3, 2011, pp. 760-770
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SoSE Relationship to ULSS
Ultra-Large-Scale Systems (ULSS)
SoS of unprecedented size;
Concerned with software systems.
Size and disorganised complexity make traditional
centralised engineering approaches inadequate.
Some similarities, but SoS concerns ‘any’ type of
system.
Heterogeneity is a distinguishing feature
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SoS relationship to CPS (T-AREA-SoS view)
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
concern increasing use of embedded
software
direct and real-time interface between the
virtual and physical worlds.
CPS is a special type of SoS
CPS interconnectivity restricted to cyberspace
SoS interconnectivity is ubiquitous (e.g. NCOIC Interoperability
Framework)
Similarities with SoSE, but different emphasis.
CPS is mainly concerned with control
SoSE concerned with configurations, authorities and
responsibilities, interoperability, and emergent behaviour
Image from http://cpslab.skku.edu/
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Complexity from the 1960s
© Loughborough University, 2014
From General Systems Theory, Ludwig von Bertalanffy, 1968,
George Braziller, Inc., pg. 20.
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T-AREA-SoS: 12 Main themes
Characterisation and Description of SoS
Theoretical Foundations for SoS
Emergence
Multi-level Modelling of SoS
Measurement and Metrics for SoS
Evaluation of SoS
Definition & Evolution of SoS Architecture
Prototyping SoS
Trade-off in SoS
Security in SoS
Human Aspects of SoS
Energy Efficient SoS https://www.tareasos.eu/index.php
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ROAD2SOS – Priority Themes
Overview of technological Priority Themes identified in Road2SoS
Derived from combined
roadmap for
• Transport
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Emergency response
Deliverable No. 5.1 & 5.2
Report on Commonalities in the Four
Domains and Recommendations for
Strategic Action, Dec. 2013
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ROAD2SOS – Implementation Barriers
Overview of potential implementation barriers identified in ROAD2SOS
Deliverable No. 5.1 & 5.2
Report on Commonalities in the Four
Domains and Recommendations for
Strategic Action, Dec. 2013
http://www.road2sos-project.eu/cms/front_content.php
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ARTEMIS Research Directions for Cyber Physical Systems
Four themes published in 2014 ECSEL MASRIA
(Multi Annual Strategic Research and Innovation
Agenda for the ECSEL Joint Undertaking
Architectures Principles and models for Safe and
secure Cyber Physical Systems
System Design, modelling and virtual engineering
for Cyber Physical Systems
Autonomous adaptive and cooperative of Cyber
Physical Systems
Computing Platforms and Energy Management for
Cyber Physical Systems
ECSEL = Electronic Components and Systems for
European Leadership
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DANSE Methodology
DANSE Methodology V2 D_4.3, 2013
Solution Methods within the SoS lifecycle
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COMPASS
The model-‐based requirements engineering ontology extended for SoS
Guidelines for Systems of Systems Requirements
COMPASS White Paper WP01 June 2013
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AMADEOS
Architecture for Multi-criticality Agile Dependable
Evolutionary Open System-of-Systems
Objective 1: Introducing explicit, global,
synchronized time into SoS models & SoSE.
Objective 2: Capturing and formalizing SoS
evolvability and dynamicity.
Objective 3: Managing emerging properties in SoS.
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Key themes in EU projects
Model-based approaches to SoSE
Strong emphasis on architectures
On formalism (COMPASS)
Appreciation of dynamic nature of SoS
Mostly, technical approaches to SoS
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Capabilities and the value chain approach
© Loughborough University, 2014
Dominic Luzeaux (CSD&M, 2013) recommends focus on capabilities
SoS behaves like a value chain
α-level systems
β-level systems
γ-level system
from: DeLaurentis, D., Crossley, W.A., Mane, M., "Taxonomy to Guide Systems-of-Systems Decision-
Making in Air Transportation Problems", AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 48, No. 3, 2011, pp. 760-770
VALUE
Focus on capabilities
- Incentivise SoS
behaviours
- Understand values
Value chain is a set of interdependent
activities whose pursuit creates
identified, measurable value (after
Michael Porter)
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Measuring Capability
WillWayMeansCapability 32
Smith, 2003 (pg. 244)
Capability can only be assessed as a
relative quantity
If we desire to defeat the enemy, we must
proportion our efforts to his powers of
resistance. This is expressed by the product
of two factors which cannot be separated,
namely, the sum of available means and the
strength of the Will.
(Von Clausewitz, On war, bk 1, ch 1)
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Role of Systems Engineering in Capability
WillWayMeansCapability 32
Directly
influences this
May (ought to)
influence this
Has indirect
effect on this
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Socio-Technical Problems
© Loughborough University, 2014
No matter how good the technical solution,
sometimes you have to focus on the human
(socio) part as well
Training : Equipment : Personnel : Information : Doctrine : Organisation : Infrastructure : Logistics
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ROAD2SOS
Overview of potential implementation barriers identified in ROAD2SOS
Deliverable No. 5.1 & 5.2
Report on Commonalities in the Four
Domains and Recommendations for
Strategic Action, Dec. 2013
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ROAD2SOS Implementation Barriers
Overview of potential implementation barriers identified in ROAD2SOS
Deliverable No. 5.1 & 5.2
Report on Commonalities in the Four
Domains and Recommendations for
Strategic Action, Dec. 2013
From http://www.mcqthinking.com/banksy-
mobile-lovers-power-unsettle/
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Who are the researchers in Systems of Systems?
(c) toonpool.com
Technological, human, and
organisational matters are very
different from each other.
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Who are the SoSE researchers/developers? - term multiplicity
© Loughborough University, 2014
A ? is an integration of a
finite number of constituent
systems which are
independent and operatable,
and which are networked
together for a period of time
to achieve a certain higher
goal. (Jamshidi, 2009)
Whole
systems
Family of
systems
System of
systems
From: Barot, V., et. al.
(2014)
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Research Challenges I
Embrace the dynamic nature of SoS
What are the methods and tools for those
managing (coping with) SoS?
Don’t just focus on design, research the operation
of SoS
Research how to incentivise SoS behaviour
Consider the capability that the SoS enables
Value chain perspective
Values are … HUMAN attributes
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Research Challenges II
Techno-Socio or Socio-Techno?
Get the right disciplines involved
Every discipline that is relevant: hard and soft science
and engineering
Educate other researchers in SoS and get their
contribution
Amateur psychologists and sociologists are …
amateurs!
© Loughborough University, 2014
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Paraphrasing Gerard Hoffnung!
All my artistic friends think
I am a great musician,
and all my musical friends
think I am a great artist
Gerard Hoffnung in one of his shows!
The SoS Engineer!
All my sociological friends think I am a great
technologist, and all my technological
friends think I am a great sociologist
http://www.last.fm/mu
sic/Gerard+Hoffnung/
+images/25809639