Taxonomy of increasingly complex systems

W. Clifton Baldwin, Wilson N. Felder and Brian J. Sauser

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2011, vol. 9, issue 3, 298-316

Abstract: Systems engineers are responsible for systems ranging from the very simple to the extremely complex. The various types of systems create a need for differentiation of properties and identification using some common nomenclature. While other system taxonomies exist, we propose a unique classification mechanism which utilises a finite set of characteristics. Well-defined attributes provide a basis to develop unambiguous mathematical descriptions in future work. Application of the classification scheme will help employ the appropriate systems engineering methodology to systems in development.

Keywords: complex systems; system taxonomies; system attributes; autonomy; belonging; connectivity; taxonomy; systems engineers; properties differentiation; properties identification; common nomenclatures; classification mechanisms; finite characteristics; mathematics; unambiguous descriptions; mathematical descriptions; classification schemes; diversity; emergence; self-organisation; adaptive systems; industrial engineering; systems engineering. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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