Systems Enginering Concept Definition
Science
making a final system concept selection.
Starting with the combined Part 1 and 2 paper, update the paper according to instructor
feedback and additional lessons learned in the course. Additional updates may also be needed
as you continue, as this is an iterative process.
For the concept definition phase, first define the criteria to be used for concept selection. A
reasonable set of criteria for evaluating the concepts should be defined. The criteria should
include Key Performance Parameters (KPPs), the most significant area of cost(s), schedule,
risk, and other unique differentiating factors. Top risks should be listed in the criteria but
defined in a separate table using likelihood and impact (cost, schedule, technical) along with
a description of each risk. Risks should be graphed in a 5×5 risk matrix in order to help
visualize the comparison of risks between alternatives. Potential mitigations should be
considered for each risk and included in the risk table.
Note: Each alternative will have its own set of risks so, it’s important to focus only on the
top risks (recommend two to three. More may be included only if needed to justify the
selection process). Certain risks may be the same for more than one concept. Risks can be
combined on the same 5×5 risk matrix, clearly showing which risks are for which alternatives
(1R1 = Alternative 1, Risk 1). Risks can occur anywhere in the system life cycle.
Next, using the Pugh matrix, discrete values, or normalized values approach, perform the
concept selection tradeoff analysis using all the information you worked on above. Make sure
to include the KPPs and Risk Uncertainty (outcome of risk analysis) as key evaluation criteria
in the system concept selection process. Review the course material on these approaches and
be sure to include a comprehensive and appropriate set of evaluation criteria. Provide a table
of the complete results of the analysis. Recommend a system concept selection informed, but
not determined, by the process, and provide a justification for selecting the concept chosen.
Be certain that the selected concept makes sense and is logically supported.
Finally, for the selected system concept, define a set of system requirements (properly
formatted meeting the guidelines for good requirements), translating the requirements from
the domain of the stakeholder to the domain of systems engineering. At this point in the
process, the system requirements will be a more detailed set of functional and performance
requirements based on the system concept selected. Be sure the analysis includes the final
outputs of the concept development process, clearly specified as such.
The Part 3 portion of the paper should be about 3 – 5 pages long (not counting charts such as
risk matrices, figures, title page, reference list, etc.).
Make sure to add a title page to your paper and include your references (as the last page).
Feel free to use an APA format or another citation format of your choosing.
