Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This text is a broad high level survey of systems engineering in the age of model-driven system development. Looking at the table of contents the coverage is extensive, but the depth on any given topic is pretty shallow. If you are a university student who hasn't had any exposure to systems engineering concepts (or software engineering concepts for that matter), then this text isn't a bad introduction to the terminology, (some of the)tools and process descriptions in modern systems engineering, especially if coupled with a project-based course where you can have a chance to apply some of these concepts directly. For such an audience, add one star to my rating. If, on the other hand, you are a practicing systems engineer (or software engineer), even if you're not all that familiar with the model-driven systems engineering paradigm, then this text is likely to come up a bit short, given its lack of depth on any given topic. For this second group of potential readers, take one star away from my rating. I was going to be cheeky and say that this is a great book for talking about systems engineering, but not so much if your interest is in doing systems engineering.
The description on the back cover is definitely over-hyped - publisher's perogative, I guess. You will not learn the obstacles, both technical and cultural, that model-driven systems engineering faces today. You will not learn UML or SysML. Executable models are introduced in the case studies, but again with little depth. Domain-specific modeling versus generic modeling (with say UML) is a hot topic not covered in the text. The advantages and disadvantages of auto-generated software are also not covered. Problems of integrating the model-based paradigm with legacy sysems is also missing. Pattern-based architectural development is also not covered. The case studies themselves specifically address classroom exercises with assignments and intructor responses, so depth seems intended to be obtained beyond the text through instructor interaction and hands on development. Each chapter could be expanded into an entire book.
What would I recommend as a more bit more practical introduction to model-driven systems engineering which addresses an audience both inside and outside the university classroom? Your favorite book on UML, A Practial Guide to SysML by Friedenthal, Moore and Steiner, and Systems Engineering with SysML/UML by Weilkiens. The Friedenthal et al. book has an introductory section which motivates the model-based systems engineering paradigm. I'd also recommend software architecture books, Documenting Software Architectures 2nd ed by Clements, Bachman, Bass and Garlan and Software Architecture: Foundations, Theory, and Practice by Taylor, Medvidovic and Dashofy (a bit more theoretical and not particularly model-based).
Don't be surprised if you see my copy available soon on Amazon Marketplace. I guarantee that it is in like new condition :)
Click Here to see more reviews about: Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering (CRC Complex and Enterprise Systems Engineering)
The rapid evolution of technical capabilities in the systems engineering (SE) community requires constant clarification of how to answer the following questions: What is Systems Architecture? How does it relate to Systems Engineering? What is the role of a Systems Architect? How should Systems Architecture be practiced?A perpetual reassessment of concepts and practices is taking place across various systems disciplines at every level in the SE community. Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering addresses these integral issues and prepares you for changes that will be occurring for years to come. With their simplified discussion of SE, the authors avoid an overly broad analysis of concepts and terminology. Applying their substantial experience in the academic, government, and commercial R&D sectors, this book is organized into detailed sections on: Foundations of Architecture and Systems EngineeringModeling Languages, Frameworks, and Graphical ToolsUsing Architecture Models in Systems Analysis and DesignAerospace and Defense Systems EngineeringDescribing ways to improve methods of reasoning and thinking about architecture and systems, the text integrates concepts, standards, and terminologies that embody emerging model-based approaches but remain rooted in the long-standing practices of engineering, science, and mathematics. With an emphasis on maintaining conceptual integrity in system design, this text describes succinct practical approaches that can be applied to the vast array of issues that readers must resolve on a regular basis. An exploration of the important questions above, this book presents the authors' invaluable experience and insights regarding the path to the future, based on what they have seen work through the power of model-based approaches to architecture and systems engineering.
