Recognising further concepts from complex systems research in SoSE

Abstract

System of systems (SoS) and System of Systems Engineering (SOSE) are made up of independent autonomous system. SoS has used a number of concepts from complexity theory, such as inclusion of autonomous and independent systems and emergence. However, there are a number of other concepts that have not been so readily used in SoSE which have been clearly enunciated in complex systems research papers. These include self organization, complexity leadership, stability levels and notions of being on the edge of chaos, phase history and initial conditions, co-evolution, hierarchy versus networked, and redundant resources. These concepts are examined and some implications for use in SoSE proposed. Although it is considered desirable to include these in SoSE architecture, it is concluded that SoSE architecture is not adequately developed so inclusion in processes to be used in SoSE architecture is the best approach.