Software Engineering in the Systems Context

Addressing Frontiers, Practice and Education

Ivar Jacobson and Harold Bud Lawson, eds

This book has been created to provide various perspectives concerning the problems and opportunities presented by the increasing central role of software in the world’s systems. In particular, the role of and relationship between Software Engineering and Systems Engineering in the provisioning of software systems and their integration into system environments. The perspectives shed light on such aspects as driving concepts and principles, guidance on selecting development approaches, issues of complexity, stakeholder concerns and requirements, the vital role of architecture, agility, governance, resilience, trust, risk, acquisition, supply chains, technical debt, socio-technical aspects, standards, as well as the fundamental aspects of improving communication and understanding.

Of particular importance is the presentation of OMG Essence Kernel and its utilization that are aimed at re-founding Software Engineering. In order to deal with software in the systems context, ideas for providing a complementary Systems Engineering Essence are introduced and a Call to Action to work on this endeavor is issued. The endeavor will lead to a new level of understanding and communication amongst Software and Systems Engineers and provide a common basis for constructing their Methods and Practices based upon the application of the Kernel.