Eisner H. Systems Architecting: Methods and Examples

CRC Press, 2020. — 107 p. — ISBN: 978-0-367-34592-1.This book provides a new approach to systems architecting not previously available. The book provides a compact innovative procedure for architecting any type of system.
Systems Architecting: Methods and Examples describes a method of system architecting that is believed to be a substantial improvement over «methods» previously covered in other systems architecting books.Incorporates analytic procedure (decision analysis)
Defines and evaluates alternative architectures
Improves upon existing architecting methods
Considers cost-effectiveness of alternatives
Provides for competitive analysis and its advantages
Shows alternatives on one simple and easily understood page
With the book’s relatively straightforward approach, it shows how to architect systems in a way that both developers and clients/customers can readily understand. It uses one of the essential principles suggested by Rechtin and Maier, namely, Simplify, Simplify, Simplify.
Systems engineers as well as students taking systems engineering courses will find this book of interest.ForewordAuthor Biography
Other Books by the Author
Background
The Department of Defense (DoD)
Eberhardt Rechtin
Author Information
Three Special Experiences
A Bottom Line
NotePurpose and Features
PurposeFeaturesThe Systems Approach
Systems Thinking
Complexity
Human JudgmentsWhat is an Architecture?A Top-Level View
Definition – In Words
Cost-Effectiveness of Systems
System Architecture – ExampleEvaluation of AlternativesSystem Effectiveness
Commentary on Graph of Costs and Effectiveness
Additional Fidelity In Rating
Other Factors
Closing ThoughtArchitecting a HouseFunctional Decomposition
Synthesis of Alternative Architectures
Evaluation Framework
Commentary – Functional Decomposition
Commentary – Synthesis
Commentary – Evaluation Framework (Analysis)
Architecting an AutomobileFunctional Decomposition
Synthesis of Three Alternative Architectures
Evaluation Framework
Commentary – Functional Decomposition
Commentary – Synthesis
Commentary – Evaluation Framework (Analysis)Commentary: A Preferred ArchitectureTop Level Considerations
Requirements
Specifications
Minimal Explicit Information
Are These Architectures Optimal?
Several (Not One) Architecture
Assuring Interoperability
Views
Architectural Descriptions (ADs)
Other Evaluation CriteriaDescriptions, Views, and TradeoffsDescriptions
Views
Tradeoffs9: DoDAF and Other Frameworks
Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DoDAF)
MoDAF
TOGAF
The ZACHMAN Framework
Strategic View of the Enterprise
Other Frameworks and ArchitecturesSoftware
Software Engineering Architecting
A Unified Approach
Summary, Future Actions, and Research
Research Areas
NoteCost Estimation
Method One: Top-Level Design
Method Two: Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs)
COCOMO I
COCOMO II
Changing Costs
Cost Information SourcesBasic Elements of the System Architecting Process
The Importance of a Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation
Functional Decomposition
The Synthesis Step Reveals and Defines the Architecture
Rechtin’s «Kiss» Notion
Problems with «Views»
Centrality of Defining Alternatives
Lateral vs. Drilling Down Approach
A Framework for Tradeoffs and Sensitivities
Software System Architecting
A Time Constrained Preliminary Design Process
System Architecting as a Group ProcessAppendixes
Group Architecting
The First Team Meeting
Group Problem-Solving
Behavior to Avoid
GroupThinkFunctional Decomposition
Information Technology (IT)
Communications
Space Systems
Transportation SystemsSpecial Topics