What This Document Is
This report, originating from the University of Southern California’s Center for Software Engineering (USC CSE), presents research focused on the complexities of developing and integrating “system of systems” (SoS) architectures. It delves into the role of the Lead System Integrator (LSI) within these large-scale projects, examining the nature of their work and factors influencing their efficiency. The research builds a foundation for understanding effort estimation in SoS development, specifically aiming to inform a cost model called COSOSIMO. It explores connections between SoS LSI activities and established system engineering processes, alongside relevant theories from organizational behavior, complex systems, and chaos theory.
Why This Document Matters
This report is valuable for students and professionals involved in systems engineering, software engineering, and project management, particularly those working with or planning to work on large, interconnected systems. It’s especially relevant for individuals seeking to understand the unique challenges presented by SoS development, beyond traditional system engineering approaches. Those interested in the organizational and logistical hurdles of integrating multiple systems, and the impact of these factors on project success, will find this research insightful. It can be used as a foundational resource for advanced coursework or as background research for industry projects.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This report is a research study presenting preliminary findings and theoretical exploration. It does *not* offer a ready-to-use cost estimation tool or a step-by-step guide to SoS integration. The research, at the time of publication, faced limitations in accessing planned effort data for analysis, meaning certain aspects of the investigation remained incomplete. It focuses on identifying key areas of impact rather than providing definitive solutions or quantitative predictions.
What This Document Provides
* An examination of the activities performed by Lead System Integrators in SoS development.
* A comparison of LSI activities with traditional system engineering processes.
* An exploration of organizational theories (including complexity and chaos theory) and their potential application to SoS projects.
* Identification of organizational factors believed to significantly impact SoS program success and productivity.
* A background and rationale for the development of the COSOSIMO cost model.