Structure of the SEBoK

As discussed in the Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) SEBoK 0.75 Introduction, the SEBoK is focused primarily on domain-independent knowledge, with one part devoted to implementation examples. The SEBoK is divided into seven parts, as discussed below.

Structure

Part 1, SEBoK 0.75 Introduction - This part provides the “opening” material to the SEBoK. Primarily, the section introduces the SEBoK (purpose , scope , context , structure , and economic value ), the concepts of systems and systems engineering (SE), including an introduction to the history and future challenges of SE, an introduction to the discussion of related disciplines, the use cases for the SEBoK, a discussion of SEBoK development and its future evolution, and acknowledgements.

Part 2, Systems - This part focuses on defining what is created by SE, as well as on providing links to the appropriate aspects of systems science. Specifically, Part 2 provides a discussion of what systems are (including aspects of systems thinking), provides system concepts (truisms about systems which are important for SE), discusses the different types of systems, provides information on different representations of systems (models), and discusses the Systems Approach and Systems Challenges. In particular, the systems approach and SE challenges have strong links to Parts 3, Systems Engineering and Management and 4, Applications of Systems Engineering.

Part 3, Systems Engineering and Management - This part specifically focuses on how SE is conducted. It includes discussion of the traditional SE processes, such as Concept Definition and System Definition, System Realization, and System Deployment and Use, as well as Systems Engineering Management such as Risk Management, Decision Management, Configuration Management, Information Management, and Quality Management management. Part 3 also includes an overview of life cycles, as well as product and service life management. This part comprises a large portion of the SEBoK and is focused around what has traditionally been viewed by many as SE. It also includes information on Systems Engineering Standards, documented best practices, and common pitfalls for performing SE or systems management activities as appropriate.

Part 4, Applications of Systems Engineering - focuses on providing guidance on how the processes and methods presented in Part 3, Systems Engineering and Management can, and should, be applied to specific types of systems, specifically Product Systems Engineering, Service Systems Engineering, Enterprise Systems Engineering, and Systems of Systems (SoS).

Part 5, Enabling Systems Engineering - This part deals with the different ways in which a group can organize to perform SE activities. Specifically, Part 5 discusses strategies for organizing for SE, including value propositions, purpose , and Governance, considerations at the business and enterprise level, and considerations for teams and individuals within an organization , including competency , personal SE development, and Ethics.

Part 6, Related Disciplines - This part contains knowledge areas which deal with the intertwining of SE with software engineering (SwE), project management (PM), industrial engineering, procurement and acquisition, and specialty engineering, including discussions of the various system "–ilities" to be balanced and integrated by SE.

Part 7, Systems Engineering Implementation Examples - This part provides real-world examples of SE activities and links the concepts in those activities to the SEBoK. There are two main types of examples: Case Studies and Vignettes. The case studies included in Part 7 are previously existing case studies that examine the successes and challenges in past SE programs; the Part 7 team connects the case study information to the related SEBoK knowledge areas (KAs) and topics. Vignettes are smaller-scale examples, but are still based on real-world systems. It is important to note that discussion of these examples is centered around links to the SEBoK; it is ‘’not’’ the intention of the SEBoK authors to make value judgments regarding these examples or the systems they describe.

A key activity in the integration of the various parts of the SEBoK has been the development, application, and iteration of a Systems Modeling Language (SysML) concept map. This map shows the relationships among the elements of the SEBoK and its external environment. Two figures have been developed from this concept map, which can be seen in the Scope and Context of the SEBoK section. These figures will be useful in navigating the SEBoK.