Complex systems engineering theory is a scientific theory

Abstract

The proper design of complex engineering systems is what allows corporations and nations to distinguish themselves in a global competition for technical excellence and economic well-being. After quickly reviewing the central elements of systems engineering, we map all of them onto concepts of mathematics such as theorems and proofs, and onto scientific theories. This mapping allows the protagonists of complex systems engineering and design to map existing techniques from one field to the others; it provides a surprising number of suggestions for improving system design, especially system architecture, by leveraging advanced mathematical and / or scientific concepts in a productive way. In return, mathematicians and computer scientists can benefit from this bridge by bringing to bear many of their automated theorem provers to help with the design of complex systems. Clear classifications of what is "hard" and what is "easy" in mathematical proofs can instantaneously map onto similar appreciations for system design and its reliance on engineers’ creativity. Last, understanding system design from the mathematical-scientific viewpoint can help the system engineer think more maturely about organizing the multitude of tasks required by systems engineering.