Systems Engineering Process Fundamentals

Course Information

• Course Title: System Integration, Verification & Validation
• Course Code: SEM4607
• Semester: AY 2024/25 TRI 2
• Instructor: Assoc Prof Ng Bor Kiat
• Email: [email protected]

Topic 02: Systems Engineering Process Fundamentals

• Systems Engineering is a complex discipline encompassing various technical processes
• Key technical processes include Business/Mission Analysis, Stakeholder Needs and Requirements Definition, System Requirements Definition, and Architecture Definition
• Further technical processes include Design Definition, System Analysis, Implementation, Integration, Verification, Transition, Validation, Operation, Maintenance, and Disposal
• The objective of INCOSE Handbook (SEH) is to describe key process activities performed by Systems Engineers
• SEH provides descriptions of each process activity within the context of product design, needed performance, and life cycle considerations

Technical Processes (Summary)

• 14 Technical Processes are summarized
• Business/Mission Analysis, Stakeholder Needs, Requirements Definition, System Requirements, and Architecture Definition are among the process
• Design Definition, System Analysis, Implementation, Integration, Verification, Transition, Validation, Operation, Maintenance, and Disposal are among the processes
• A comprehensive understanding of these is essential for developing and managing systems

Systems Integration, Verification, and Validation Module Outline

• The module has five main topics, numbered 1-5
• The first topic provides an overview of systems engineering
• Topic 2 covers Systems Engineering Process Fundamentals
• Topic 3 focuses on Systems Integration
• Topic 4 covers Verification & Validation
• Topic 5 covers Industry Application Sharing

Learning Activities

• The syllabus outlines weekly schedule of lectures, tutorials, and assessment deadlines
• Weekly schedules include class dates, tutorial dates, and activities.
• The schedule shows the subjects for each week, and due dates for assessment items.
• The schedule encompasses various topics covered throughout the semester

SEM 4607 Contents

• The course will cover Systems Engineering Overview
• Systems Engineering Process Fundamentals
• Systems Implementation & Integration
• Systems Verification & Validation
• Industry Applications Sharing

System Life Cycle Stages

• System Life Cycle includes various stages, like Concept, Development, Production, Utilization, Support, and Retirement
• It is important to understand how these stages relate to IV&V processes and activities.

INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook (SEH)

• A guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities.
• The objective of the INCOSE International Council on Systems Engineering Handbook is to describe key process activities, performed by Systems Engineers

Systems Life Cycle Stages (ISO/IEC 15288)

• The life cycle includes Concept, Development, Production, Utilization, Support, and Retirement stages.

Implementation Technical Processes

• The process of assembling system elements (hardware, software, and operational resources) to compose the system of interest (SOI).
• Verification of correctness of the static and dynamic aspects of interfaces between implemented system elements is a critical aspect.
• This entails ensuring intended operation and interoperability with other systems.
• The objective is to create or adapt hardware or physical components and software code.

Integration Technical Processes

• This process synthesizes system elements to create a realized system (a product or service).
• It focuses on the interfaces between elements to meet system requirements and architecture designs.
• There is iterative interaction with Verification & Validation processes.
• The process ensures correct functionality, performance, and design requirements are met at each system boundary.

Verification Technical Processes

• The process provides evidence that a system or component meets required characteristics and requirements.
• Verification techniques may vary, including inspection (human senses, non-destructive checks), analysis (using logic or modeling), demonstration (showing systems functionality under controlled conditions), tests (quantitative measures), and analogy (using similar systems for guidance).
• The process is a critical part of system development and is used in each stage of the system development

Validation Technical Processes

• Validation is used to verify that a system meets stakeholder needs.
• Validation may utilize techniques similar to verification, with specific consideration for actual use cases.
• Validation actions involve applying various techniques on system elements to verify the obtained result against expected results to judge acceptability in a use context.

Operations, Maintenance, Disposal and Other Technical Processes

• Operations: Sustaining required services by preparing, supplying, and managing performance of the system
• Maintenance: Sustaining system capabilities, including corrective, preventive actions.
• Disposal: Ending a system's existence and handling related elements appropriately.
• Includes considerations during system design, environmental controls, and documentation.
• Other essential technical processes such as Transition, Acceptance, and Certification are included in the course

Other Information

• Many aspects of systems management are discussed in the course material.