Course Schedule

(11/29/05) The class notes for Class 13 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. REMEMBER THAT CLASS IS IN KH247 for tonight as well as our final class next week. We have a lot to cover tonight .... will see how it goes ... will try to work in some time to play/learn in the SoSE lab. See you in class tonight!!

(11/27/05) The readings for Class 13 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. I thought that I would have all the projects graded by tonight, but still have some to get completed. I hope to have everything completed and returned by Tuesday's class. As you think about transformation and the readings, consider the following questions:

13.1 Why is transformation of a complex system so difficult?

13.2 What is the role of the system change agent (SoSE Engineer) in facilitation of complex system transformation?

13.3 What is the relationship between failure, learning, and transformation for SoSE?

(11/22/05) The class notes for Class 12 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. REMEMBER THAT CLASS IS IN KH247 for tonight and the rest of the semester. See you in class tonight!!

(11/16/05) Enjoyed class last night!! Complex systems modeling will never be the same. For next class, do not forget, we will be in KH 247 and will close out the remainder of the semester at that location. I have placed the readings on the webpage for next week. No questions this week. I know that you are, as you should be, focused on the completion of your individual projects. For class next week, we will cover modeling issues/material not covered during class last night and discuss methods --- will go through some hands-on exercises in the lab environment. Study hard!! See you next week.

(11/15/05) The class notes for Class 10 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. Sorry for the delay ... some items that I had to confirm -- see you in class!!

(11/11/05) Sorry for the lateness of the readings for class on Tuesday!! I figure that you have had plenty to keep you busy with the individual course project!! The readings are on the class notes webpage now. Note that I have substituted one article "Maxims for Modelers" for the Hitchins article - this has some more representative background I wanted you to consider in modeling.

For next week a couple of focal questions to ponder:

12.1 What are the limitations of models in SoSE problem domains?

12.2 How would you determine if the modeling process has been effective?

12.3 What cautions would you offer for SoSE engineers with respect to models and modeling?

(11/1/05) The class notes for Class 9 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. Study hard ... will see you in class!! All case studies will have been returned electronically prior to class.

(10/26/05) Thanks for class last night!! Enjoyed the discussion and level of thinking that seems to be maturing as we move through System of Systems Engineering. Have posted the reading for next week on the website. Also, don't forget to review the Hitchins article on Methods and Tools -- will combine this in discussion about analysis. Doctoral students, don't forget your assignment due next week!!

For next week a couple of focal questions to think through:

9.1 What are the primary concerns that a SoSE engineer should have with respect to data for analysis of systems of systems?

9.2 What are the primary distinctions between qualitative and quantitative data?

9.3 What criticisms do you have for "tools" presented by Hitchins to support systems thinking -- where do they fit with respect to worldview? Others that you would offer in addition? Tools/Methods that need to be developed?

(10/25/05) The class notes for Class 8 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. We have some materials to cover that we didn't get to specifically address last class session -- I think that they are important, so we will spend some time in class covering them. Also, make sure you have the copy of the article on Framing -- will need to reference it in class -- the principles part of the document. Will also have the exercise we didn't get to last week -- will cover that as the second thing in class. See you in class. Study hard!!

(10/20/05) I really enjoyed class on Tuesday ... thanks for the comments and interaction!! The readings for Class session 8 are now on the Class Notes web page. Note that two of the readings Conceptual bounding and context are not on the website -- I had anticipated that the research would be farther along than it currently is ... those articles are not yet ready for release -- should be available by the end of the semester for your reference -- they are certainly pushing the edge with respect to research in SoSE. I have included an article on framing of problems from a SoSE perspective -- you should be comfortable with the perspective and concepts that are provided in this article.

Also, don't forget that we have made a change to the class schedule -- Class Periods 10 (Modeling in SoSE scheduled for 11/8/05) and Class Period 11 (No Formal Class Meeting scheduled for 11/15/05) have been switched, we will not meet on 11/8/05 and the material for class session 10 will be covered during class on 11/15/05.

As you prepare for our class next week, recall that we are going to begin with a group exercise and discussion (make sure that you have the assigned reading on Architecting Principles for reference). Some preparation questions to ponder for Class 8 are:

8.1 What are the critical points made by Mitroff and Linstone for Unbounded Systems Thinking?

8.2 What does framing problems/needs from a SoSE perspective offer beyond traditional thinking?

8.3 If we were to call someone a SoSE engineer, what is different about this person that separates them from other engineers?

(10/18/05) The class notes for Class 7 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. See you in class. Study hard!! Will have a couple of interesting exercises around the issue of design -- will give you a different perspective!!

(10/8/05) The readings for Class session 7 are now on the Class Notes web page. I am not posting the article for Architecting Principles -- there is sufficient coverage in the Appendix A that I provided from Rechtin and Maier. Make sure that you are familiar with the readings -- need to draw upon them for some group work in the session. Also .... note as discussed last class session that I would like to shift class period 10 (Nov 8th - Modeling in SoSE) with class period 11 (Nov 15 - No Formal Class Meetinig). Focus on these questions as you prepare for Class 7:

Questions for Class Session 7:

7.1 What are the critical concepts for taking a "systems perspective" of complex system design?

7.2 How is designing a SoS different than designing (in a traditional sense) for a system?

7.3 What do the following principles suggest for designing of a SoS: darkness, self-organization, emergence, complementarity, context?

(10/4/05) The class notes for Class 6 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. I will try to keep class light tonight, since I know that you have most likely been focused on the Case Study -- we will work hard and get out a little bit early (promise). See you in class tonight.

(9/28/05) Thanks for class last night .... good discussion!! The articles for Class 6 are now posted on the Class Notes Webpage. Don't forget: CASE STUDY 1 IS DUE ELECTRONICALLY PRIOR TO THE CLASS PERIOD.

Questions for Class Session 6:

6.1 What is the primary role for methodology as it support SoSE?

6.2 What are the most critical attributes for a methodology?

6.3 How would you go about evaluation of a methodology for engineering of complex systems?

(9/27/05) The class notes for Class 5 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. Will have feedback on your individual project submissions as soon as I can. See you in class tonight.

(9/22/05) The Hitchins Chapter 4 reading assignment for class next week is now available on the Class Notes Webpage. Also, two reminders: (1) if you have not submitted your proposed individual student project proposal, do it quickly!! -- I will provide feedback on those received by tonight, and (2) Recall that we were going to do some listening to how the term system is being used --- keep your ears open and we will have a short discussion/sharing of your "results" for class next week. Study hard.

(9/21/05) Thanks for class last night .... enjoyed the dialog!! A little bit late posting the preparation materials for next weeks class .... the SoSE article and the Krygiel Chap 2 are posted. The Hutchins article will be posted tomorrow as soon as I can get the scan completed. Study Hard.

Questions for Class Session 5:

5.1 How do we distinguish SoSE from SE?

5.2 What differences do you see in the different perspectives of SoSE? What is important in the distinctions?

5.3 What is "systems philosophy" and how is it related to SoSE?

(9/20/05) The class notes for Class 4 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. Make sure that you have your one pager proposal for the individual course project submitted before or during the class period. See you in class.

(9/13/05) The readings for Class 4 are now posted on the Class Notes Webpage. As you are preparing for our next class session, please keep in mind that the handbooks are a "scan" assignment. Scan means that you don't do a depth read but take a thumbthrough of the contents looking for structure and the primary emphasis/perspective.

DON'T FORGET THAT YOU HAVE A ONE PAGE PROPOSAL FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL PROJECT DUE AT THE CLASS SESSION. This proposal is mainly to make sure that we are aligned before you invest significant energy into working the problem.

You should also have made progress with respect to your group project organization. Hope that you have used the compensatory time wisely. Look forward to joining you for next weeks class. STUDY HARD!!

As you are preparing for next week, consider the following questions:

4.1 What are the consistent themes in the different approaches presented for systems engineering?

4.2 What are the strengths, assumptions, limitations, and criticisms for systems engineering?

4.3 What are the problem/domain characteristics and attributes for which systems engineering is an appropriate systems-based approach? Inappropriate?

(9/5/05) The class notes for Class 2 are posted on the Class Notes Webpage. As you complete final preparations for class, make sure that you review the Case Study 1 requirement -- will be discussed during our class session. Also, will have an exercise to amplify application of some of the concepts we have been learning for systems!! Hope that you had a restful "Labor Day" holiday -- welcome back and let's go to work!! See you in class.

(8/31/05) Thanks for class last night. I enjoyed the discussion, questions, and dialog -- all materials necessary for next week are posted on the class notes webpage. In addition, here is an electronic copy of the course syllabus if you want it. Have also included the discussion questions for you to ponder prior to next weeks class session.