Title: Sustainability of systems of systems

Authors: Polinpapilinho F. Katina; George Despotou; Behnido Y. Calida; Tatyana Kholodkov; Charles B. Keating

Addresses: National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, Innovation Research Park Bldg. 1, 4111 Monarch Way Ste. 406, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA ' Department of Computer Science, The University of York, Deramore Lane, York YO105GH, UK ' National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, Innovation Research Park Bldg. 1, 4111 Monarch Way Ste. 406, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA ' Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Dept. 3415, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071, USA ' National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, Innovation Research Park Bldg. 1, 4111 Monarch Way Ste. 406, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to synthesise multiple worldviews of system of systems and introduce sustainability as a prerequisite for the development of the field. Fundamentally, systems of systems provide significantly greater capability than constituent systems. The enhanced capability is achieved through coordination and integration of complex systems. This research fosters sustainability to support enhanced capabilities in systems of systems. First, we establish sustainability in the context of system of systems characterisations. Second, the system of systems problem landscape and challenges is discussed in relation to sustainability. Third, the need for sustainability is transposed to three diverging perspectives in systems of systems. Fourth, two industrial cases are used to illustrate the need for sustainability. Fifth, we introduce an organising construct within which systems of systems might be developed to address sustainability and viability. The paper concludes with implications and directions for further research for sustainability in system of systems.

Keywords: carrier strike group; CSG; healthcare system of systems; metasystems; metasystem functions; sustainability; system of systems engineering; SoSE; viability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSE.2014.064833

International Journal of System of Systems Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.2, pp.93 - 113

Received: 12 Sep 2013
Accepted: 01 Feb 2014
Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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