Harmonizing the Domains of Loss-Driven Systems Engineering

Abstract

System characteristics include what it is (structure, state), what it does (function, behavior), where it resides (environment, containing whole), what it uses (resources, energy source, raw material), what it contains (content), and why it exists (value delivery). An adversity produces a disturbance that can induce stress in a system so it may suffer some loss within one or more of these characteristics. Loss-driven systems engineering (LDSE) is an approach to address systemic loss in all forms helping ensure value delivery. LDSE domains include reliability, sustainability, survivability, risk management, resistance, resilience, agility, safety, and security which all work in harmony to avoid, withstand, and recover from loss. Traditional systems engineering treats these as separate domains with varying degrees of detail, rigor, and results. LDSE proposes consolidating these domains for a comprehensive, cohesive, and consistent approach to address system loss. This paper establishes interrelationships among the LDSE domains to harmonize role, fit, function, and impact among the domains focusing on sustaining value-delivery.