The Effects of the Assessed Perceptions of MBSE on Adoption

Abstract

Traditional document-based systems engineering (SE) practices have proven inadequate to address modern systems' increasing complexity, leading to shortcomings in SE outcomes. To address these limitations, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has emerged with an emphasis on the system model as the primary SE artifact. Despite its potential, MBSE has not achieved widespread adoption. This study explores MBSE adoption challenges through the lens of the diffusion of innovations theory to identify factors hindering its adoption. The study's methodology includes a survey distributed to SE professionals focusing on perceptions of attributes of MBSE identified by the diffusion of innovations theory, current use of models and MBSE, and basic demographic information. Results highlighted that respondents recognize the relative advantage of MBSE in improving data quality and traceability, but perceived complexity and compatibility with existing practices still present barriers to adoption. Subpopulation analysis reveals that those who are not already involved in MBSE efforts face the additional adoption obstacles of limited trial opportunities and tool access (chi-squared test of independence between these populations resulted in p = 0.00). The survey underscores the potential for closer alignment between MBSE and existing SE methodologies to improve the perceived compatibility of MBSE. Future studies would benefit from examining additional variables identified by the diffusion of innovations theory, incorporating control questions to differentiate between perceptions of SE generally and MBSE specifically, identification of better methods to assess current MBSE use by participants, and measures to broaden the participant scope. Finally, the imminent introduction of SysML v2 presents a unique opportunity to reshape perceptions of MBSE to improve the adoption rate of MBSE and enhance its accessibility among SE professionals.