SYSTEMS ENGINEERING NEWS

• Tom McKay as Treasurer.

• Dhanush Laxman as Committee Member at Large.

Learn more about the INCOSE New Zealand chapter.

Updates from SERC

The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) updates from December 2022 included highlights from multiple research initiatives.

Annual Research Review Explores Digital Transformation and More

SERC’s 14th Annual Research Review included 19 technical sessions on cutting edge research projects that spanned four areas of expertise:

• Digital Transformation

• Enterprises and Innovation

• Models and Data

• Human Capital Development

In his presentation on Digital Transformation, Tom McDermott, SERC CTO, focused on the importance of adopting a new data-centric lifecycle model to better integrate systems engineering modernization efforts.

Regarding Enterprises and Innovation, Dr. Michael Orosz (University of Southern California) provided recommendations on improving space-based software acquisition using Agile, DevSecOps and digital engineering techniques.

In the Models and Data area, Dr. Peter Beling (Virginia Tech) presented on “Developmental Test and Evaluation and Cyberattack Resilient Systems”, highlighting the risks associated with insufficient testing of cyberspace threats. Two projects were outlined to address these concerns:

• FOREST (Framework for Operational Resilience in Engineering and Systems Test)

• TREES (Testable Resilience Efficacy Elements)

Dr. Payuna Uday (Stevens Institute of Technology) addressed the emphasis of SERC’s Human Capital Development research on the need for DoD-defense industry collaboration in STEM education and workforce development programs.

Read the full SERC annual review recap

Innovating Improvements to Defense Acquisition

Concurrent with the SERC Annual Research Review, the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) of the U.S. Department of Defense brought together practitioners and researchers to discuss issues and opportunities for improving defense acquisition outcomes. Themes included:

• The need to have a “whole systems” view connecting missions, governance, and communications.

• The shift from a program/platform-centric perspective to a mission/data-centric perspective.

• How to leverage the economic engine of commercial development to keep innovation ahead of evolving problems and threats.

Read the full article.