Model-Based Systems Engineering in Complex Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Complex engineered systems include goal-oriented large-scale systems such as aircraft, automobiles, power grids, communication networks, and manufacturing plants. They are designed and built to perform specific functions or achieve specific goals. Designing, analysing, and managing complex engineered systems present unique challenges due to their size, complexity, and interactions between components. Systems engineering principles are amongst various tools and techniques, such as modelling and simulation, that are commonly used to address these challenges and ensure the successful operation of complex engineered systems. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a methodology that uses descriptive modelling to support the design, analysis, and management of complex systems. It offers numerous benefits, including improved system understanding, the early detection of design issues, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. MBSE in complex systems streamlines the development process, improves overall system performance, and has the potential to significantly reduce development time, eliminate design errors, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. This Special Issue aims to present systematic approaches to adopting MBSE in the development of complex systems. Of particular interest are papers that achieve the following:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current system engineering practices and identify areas where MBSE can be implemented;
• Define a set of standardised modelling languages, tools, and processes for MBSE implementation of complex systems;
• Establish and comprehensively define metrics and ontologies to measure the impact of MBSE on system performance, development time, and cost;
• Establish frameworks for continuous improvement and adaptation of MBSE methodologies in complex systems.

This Special Issue invites papers that highlight and provide solutions to the following issues and challenges:

• Challenges and issues in the adoption of MBSE as the primary approach for designing complex systems;
• Difficulties in MBSE process management, model management, and model integration with legacy data and documents;
• Difficulties and challenges in data acquisition for reference models at different stages of design;
• Difficulties and challenges in the MBSE training program at the department level to familiarise stakeholders with MBSE concepts and tools.

This Special Issue also invites papers that present case studies on the following topics:

1. Demonstrative case of methods to enhance collaboration among stakeholders using standardised models through MBSE adoption;
2. Demonstrative cases of MBSE methodologies improving system understanding and reducing design errors through the early detection and resolution of issues;
3. Demonstrative cases of MBSE reducing time-to-market for complex systems;
4. Frameworks for continuous improvement and adaptation of MBSE at different stages of design.

Dr. Mahmoud Efatmaneshnik
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• complex engineered systems
• systems engineering
• model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• modelling of complex systems
• managing complex modelling projects