Governance implications for meeting challenges in the system of systems engineering field

Abstract

This paper explores implications of Complex System Governance (CSG) for challenges faced in development of the System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) field. The paper is organized around four primary themes. First, the SoSE problem domain and issues in the field are examined. Second, an emerging role of CSG is developed in relationship to the SoSE problem domain. While this perspective of CSG is still in its embryonic stages, the potential for informing the SoSE field is developed from the axiomatic basis of systems theory and management cybernetics. Third, an organizing construct for research in CSG is developed around seven different streams of inquiry. This development also includes representative questions across the streams of inquiry. Fourth, the paper concludes with an exploration of how CSG might alleviate problematic areas in the SoSE field.