Impact of Programmatic System Interdependencies on System-of-Systems Development

The acquisition/development of complex systems that are driven, in part, by system-of-systems requirements remains a challenge in the defense sector due to complexities in both program management and engineering design. This paper explores the role played by the structure of system interdependencies in achieving successful system-of-system integration. The research is conducted using an exploratory computer simulation that models the relationship between requirement dependencies, risk profiles of the project, and management parameters like span-of-control of SoS engineers and managers. A case study quantifies the impact of system interdependencies using time as the primary outcome. However, insights from the case study suggest additional metrics that merit further study as well as additional parameters in the model that would enhance the exploratory model's value as a venue for experimentation to develop insights that will underpin successful acquisition of SoS-oriented defense capabilities.