Minimizing the Complexity of Systems Through Structural Optimization and Variability Reduction
Date
2016
Authors
Jackson, S.
Santos, R.M.D.
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Journal Title
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Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Incose International Symposium, 2016, vol.25, iss.1, pp.1-10
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
International Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering (13 Jul 2015 - 16 Jul 2015 : Seattle, Washington, USA)
Abstract
Scholars have focused on two primary characteristics that reflect the complexity of a system: the structure of the system and in the variability in the relationships between the elements. This paper discusses both aspects of the system and shows that they can be treated separately during development to reduce complexity. The first part treats the structural aspect of complexity by employing the cluster analysis of (Hitchins 1993, 135-147) and (Hitchins 2003, 143-148; 449-457). This method optimizes the architecture of the system and minimizes the number of sub-elements by determining which elements have the maximum amount of functional affinity. The second part deals with the variability of the relationships between the elements also called information entropy defined by (Shannon 1948). However, this concept can apply to the relationships among the elements of any type of system. The application of both of these methods it is believed will result in a significant reduction in complexity.
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Copyright 2015 Scott Jackson and Ricardo Moraes dos Santos