System of Systems Engineering and Family of Systems Engineering from a standards, V-Model, and Dual-V Model perspective

System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) and Family of Systems Engineering (FoSE) continue to be two of the least well-understood SE disciplines. Knowledge of the SE standards, the V-Model, and particularly the 3-dimensional dual-V model, significantly aid this understanding, including the relationship between SE, SoSE, and FoSE. The goals of this paper are to: 1) define SoS, SoSE, and FoSE from an SE standards perspective; 2) describe the original V-model and the dual-V model; 3) show how to apply these SE standards and V-models to a system, to SoSs, and to FoSs; and 4) encourage and challenge the participants to understand, select, tailor, and apply these SE standards and V-models to complex SoSs and FoSs. Individuals may have an understanding of portions of SE, SoSE, and FoSE based on other sources. The SE standards, V-model, and dual-V model provide a more complete and common understanding.

1 Introduction

The subject of SoSE versus SE is currently debated in the literature and at conferences. The question is asked: “Is engineering a system of systems really any different from engineering an ordinary system?” [1]. Some believe that SoSE is “different” from SE, the SE processes are inadequate or insufficient for SoSE, and additional processes are needed. Others, like me, believe the SE processes as documented in the SE standards: IEEE 1220, EIA/IS-632, EIA-632, ISO 15288 [2]–[8], and the guide: ISO TR 19760 [9], are a necessary and sufficient set of processes for SoSE, and no additional processes are needed.