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Engineering Systems Integration
a fashion that the experiment can be shown to be replicated, that is, similar
results are consistently achieved. Other variables may exist that have effects
(perhaps noticeable under certain conditions) that might refine the primary
results of an experiment that is predicated on the key variables. But the principal correlations and patterns due to the key variables are not changed substantially, except in those cases when specific conditions apply. Research
often focuses on new conditions that may be suggestive of new key variables,
or perhaps a new theory that explains the totality of variables in a manner
consistent with previous theories and also predicts new phenomena.
essence of a Framework
A framework that is all inclusive of the subjective direction to accomplish a
task is needed in conjunction with the objective results of those accomplishments. The hallmark of a framework for integration is its consistency to
reproduce similar results from each use. A framework that is characterized
by consistency has logic, continuity of method, applicability across disciplines and fields, scalability from the micro to macro (and vice versa), and
the flexibility to accommodate a variety of differences across and within its
classifications. Most importantly, the definitive framework for integration
should focus on the eventual prospects of at least not inhibiting the development of a definitive theory of systems integration. To investigate the essential
elements of systems integration, a framework is developed and presented
that reflects causality in a system—that which derives from cause to effect.
An integration framework provides the basis for identifying principles
that have substantial theoretical foundation(s). Systems integration can be
thought of as having fundamental provenances, a few of which are listed:
(1) engineering principles (which are interdisciplinary), (2) systems thinking
(multidisciplinary), (3) economics (determination of value, risk, and consequences), (4) acquisition (the catalyst that moves a concept through development into operations), (5) social science (the mechanisms of human behavior),
and (6) management (the processes that govern the direction, control, communications, planning, organization, and team-building). The field of systems integration applies principles from science, nature, and sociology
to build desirable and worthwhile systems. Systems thinking extends this
paradigm by attempting to encompass metalessons from all disciplines.
Metalessons signify the maturation of the discipline through considered discussions about the philosophical bases for theories, the provenances of models, the efficacy of frameworks, and the operative frames that capture the
essences of an experiment. Systems thinking continues to contribute to the
development of systems theory through the discovery of universal principles that transcend discrete disciplines. It is more than pattern recognition
that drives these discoveries. It is the recognition that frameworks not only
clarify knowledge what is known but also point to missing elements. Systems
thinking and systems integration together empower systems engineers to
Engineering Systems Integration
a fashion that the experiment can be shown to be replicated, that is, similar
results are consistently achieved. Other variables may exist that have effects
(perhaps noticeable under certain conditions) that might refine the primary
results of an experiment that is predicated on the key variables. But the principal correlations and patterns due to the key variables are not changed substantially, except in those cases when specific conditions apply. Research
often focuses on new conditions that may be suggestive of new key variables,
or perhaps a new theory that explains the totality of variables in a manner
consistent with previous theories and also predicts new phenomena.
essence of a Framework
A framework that is all inclusive of the subjective direction to accomplish a
task is needed in conjunction with the objective results of those accomplishments. The hallmark of a framework for integration is its consistency to
reproduce similar results from each use. A framework that is characterized
by consistency has logic, continuity of method, applicability across disciplines and fields, scalability from the micro to macro (and vice versa), and
the flexibility to accommodate a variety of differences across and within its
classifications. Most importantly, the definitive framework for integration
should focus on the eventual prospects of at least not inhibiting the development of a definitive theory of systems integration. To investigate the essential
elements of systems integration, a framework is developed and presented
that reflects causality in a system—that which derives from cause to effect.
An integration framework provides the basis for identifying principles
that have substantial theoretical foundation(s). Systems integration can be
thought of as having fundamental provenances, a few of which are listed:
(1) engineering principles (which are interdisciplinary), (2) systems thinking
(multidisciplinary), (3) economics (determination of value, risk, and consequences), (4) acquisition (the catalyst that moves a concept through development into operations), (5) social science (the mechanisms of human behavior),
and (6) management (the processes that govern the direction, control, communications, planning, organization, and team-building). The field of systems integration applies principles from science, nature, and sociology
to build desirable and worthwhile systems. Systems thinking extends this
paradigm by attempting to encompass metalessons from all disciplines.
Metalessons signify the maturation of the discipline through considered discussions about the philosophical bases for theories, the provenances of models, the efficacy of frameworks, and the operative frames that capture the
essences of an experiment. Systems thinking continues to contribute to the
development of systems theory through the discovery of universal principles that transcend discrete disciplines. It is more than pattern recognition
that drives these discoveries. It is the recognition that frameworks not only
clarify knowledge what is known but also point to missing elements. Systems
thinking and systems integration together empower systems engineers to