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Engineering Systems Integration
they were not only similar, but cognitively the same methods enacted by the
same people at the same time*; or view requirements analyses and specifications as interchangeable). They are not interchangeable. The general use of
some terms in this book, such as methodology, method, processes, and mechanisms, is detailed where they are explicitly used in the context of integration.
Then, briefly, methodology indicates a set of methods that are consistent
with a theoretical foundation that is based on principles and philosophical
assumptions. Method connotes a systematic, step-wise logical way of carrying out processes. Approach are the specific steps, that is, the way. Processes
are a set of goal-oriented activities carried out according to an intended
theme or approach. Processes are driven by cognitive activities that result in
procedures (referred to as social mechanisms in sociology) whose output are
models (or representations) of what was thought of as modified by what was
done to make happen what was envisioned. As regards social mechanisms,
Neil Gross (University of British Columbia) provides a review of social
mechanisms as sometimes unobservable structures or processes, sometimes
observable and thereby with apparent motive(s), as low-level building blocks,
as causal, as means to transform (events) by mechanisms, as an intermediary
process, and as chains of actors dealing with chains of problems—the processes by which cause and effect are founded (Gross 2009). Procedures are
carried out through activities. Activities are sets of behaviors expressed in an
orderly array of acts (many of which might have some relevance to the activity).
Acts relate to activities (through an approach) that in turn relate to a process,
consistent with a method that might be part of a methodology that is harmonious with a theory. The causality of an interaction is also forced through the lens
of the method of discovery and the theory of its interpretation. †
General Ontology and Mereology of Integration
The kind of universe that can support the existence and observation of physical objects allows for the creation of an ontology of “things.” ‡ Things can be
restrictive or inclusive based on philosophy and principles. This kind of
* Clear distinction is made in most presentations (books, papers, and talks); however, the
conceptualization of “V&V” remains prevalent.
† There is much to say about causality in regard to integration. Determined by objects (their
mechanisms) and EMMI, integration presumes causal relations between objects and processes. That our knowledge of systems and engineering is most likely flawed in many
respects, our presumption for being able to integrate objects, let alone predict what might
happen when we attempt to integrate objects is particularly impudent. Yet, that is the very
essence of advancing our knowledge. I say, forgive the brazen ones, their mistakes are tomorrow’s advancements. In the words of a major Russian poet, F. Tyutchev, “An idea once
expressed is a lie” (Turchin 1977).
‡ “Things” are defined as contrivances that justify cognitive structures for thinking.
Engineering Systems Integration
they were not only similar, but cognitively the same methods enacted by the
same people at the same time*; or view requirements analyses and specifications as interchangeable). They are not interchangeable. The general use of
some terms in this book, such as methodology, method, processes, and mechanisms, is detailed where they are explicitly used in the context of integration.
Then, briefly, methodology indicates a set of methods that are consistent
with a theoretical foundation that is based on principles and philosophical
assumptions. Method connotes a systematic, step-wise logical way of carrying out processes. Approach are the specific steps, that is, the way. Processes
are a set of goal-oriented activities carried out according to an intended
theme or approach. Processes are driven by cognitive activities that result in
procedures (referred to as social mechanisms in sociology) whose output are
models (or representations) of what was thought of as modified by what was
done to make happen what was envisioned. As regards social mechanisms,
Neil Gross (University of British Columbia) provides a review of social
mechanisms as sometimes unobservable structures or processes, sometimes
observable and thereby with apparent motive(s), as low-level building blocks,
as causal, as means to transform (events) by mechanisms, as an intermediary
process, and as chains of actors dealing with chains of problems—the processes by which cause and effect are founded (Gross 2009). Procedures are
carried out through activities. Activities are sets of behaviors expressed in an
orderly array of acts (many of which might have some relevance to the activity).
Acts relate to activities (through an approach) that in turn relate to a process,
consistent with a method that might be part of a methodology that is harmonious with a theory. The causality of an interaction is also forced through the lens
of the method of discovery and the theory of its interpretation. †
General Ontology and Mereology of Integration
The kind of universe that can support the existence and observation of physical objects allows for the creation of an ontology of “things.” ‡ Things can be
restrictive or inclusive based on philosophy and principles. This kind of
* Clear distinction is made in most presentations (books, papers, and talks); however, the
conceptualization of “V&V” remains prevalent.
† There is much to say about causality in regard to integration. Determined by objects (their
mechanisms) and EMMI, integration presumes causal relations between objects and processes. That our knowledge of systems and engineering is most likely flawed in many
respects, our presumption for being able to integrate objects, let alone predict what might
happen when we attempt to integrate objects is particularly impudent. Yet, that is the very
essence of advancing our knowledge. I say, forgive the brazen ones, their mistakes are tomorrow’s advancements. In the words of a major Russian poet, F. Tyutchev, “An idea once
expressed is a lie” (Turchin 1977).
‡ “Things” are defined as contrivances that justify cognitive structures for thinking.