The AI team take a deep dive into a paper presented at the 11th International Conference on System of Systems Engineering, Kongsberg, Norway, in 2016 which examines systems engineering principles through a case study of a “Widget” system. It explores the iterative nature of problem-solving within the system lifecycle, illustrating how solutions to initial problems can create new challenges. The author highlights the interplay between “what’s” (requirements) and “how’s” (solutions) and how unforeseen issues, such as unexpected vibrations impacting a simple nut-and-bolt fastening mechanism, necessitate design changes and schedule revisions. The analysis emphasizes the importance of considering emergent properties (both desired and undesired) and their impact on project timelines and costs. The paper ultimately advocates for a more flexible, iterative approach to systems engineering, particularly for complex projects.
The paper can be found at https://therightrequirement.com/pubs/2016/The%20nuts%20and%20bolts%20of%20systems-4%20post%20review%20-a.pdf