Synthesizing Possible Solutions

Introduction

According to (INCOSE, 1998, p. 236), synthesis is “the combination of parts, elements, or diverse conceptions into a coherent whole; to put together.” This section will describe the synthesis process at the Systems Approach level show how it links to the Systems Engineer-ing process of the same name.

Synthesis Overview

Essential to synthesis is the Systems Engineering concept of holism discussed by (Hitchins, 2009) which states that a system must be considered as a whole and not simply as a collection of its elements. In Systems Engineering holism requires that the properties of the whole be determined by considering the behavior of the whole and not simply as the accumulation of the properties of the elements. The latter process is known as reductionism and is the opposite of holism. (Hitchins, 2009) puts it this way: “The properties, capabilities, and behavior of a system derive from its parts, from interactions between those parts, and from interactions with other systems.” When systems are synthesized holistically, emergent properties will be identified.

In complex systems the individual elements will adapt to the behavior of the other elements and to the whole. The entire collection of elements will behave as an organic whole. For complex systems the entire Systems Engineering synthesis effort itself must be dynamic to treat these systems.

When the system is considered as a whole, properties called emergent properties often appear (see Concept of Emergence above). These properties cannot be predicted from the elements alone. These properties must be evaluated within the Systems Engineering effort to determine the complete set of performance levels of the system. According to (Jackson et al., 2010) these properties can be designed into the system, but an iterative Systems Engineering approach is required to do it.

The Systems Approach aspect of synthesis leads to the Systems Engineering process of the same name. Essential to the synthesis of the system is the principle of holism which expresses the idea that a system must be considered as a whole. The principle of interaction is also essential to synthesis. The principle of cohesion also is important to synthesis. Preferring to use the terms “design and development,” (Wasson, 2006, pp. 390-690) describes synthesis from a Systems Engineering point of view.

In a Systems Engineering context, (White, 2009, pp. 512-515) provides a comprehensive discussion of methods of achieving design synthesis.

Linkages to other topics

The Systems Approach principle of Synthesis is directly linked to the Systems Engineering principle of Synthesis.

References

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Citations

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Primary References

HITCHINS, D. 2009. What are the General Principles Applicable to Systems? Insight. International Council on Systems Engineering.

JACKSON, S., HITCHINS, D. & EISNER, H. 2010. What is the Systems Approach? INCOSE Insight. International Council on Systems Engineering.

Additional References

INCOSE 1998. INCOSE SE Terms Glossary. In: INCOSE CONCEPTS AND TERMS WG (ed.). Seattle, WA: International Council on Systems Engineering.

WASSON, C. S. 2006. System Analysis, Design, and Development, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons.

WHITE, Jr., R. PRESTON, 2009. Systems Design. In: SAGE, A. P. (ed.) Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management. Second ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

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