System Modeling in the GSE Approach

The chapter “System Modeling in the GSE Approach” initially describes a variety of classes of thinking models that are used in practice today and with which the GSE thinking model must be compatible. From thinking models with two or three views, to variable or attributable thinking models, to thinking models that can depict interactions between the system and the environment or results of intuitive thinking. It is determined which views, or which types of elements, the GSE thinking model must have. Then the relations of thinking models are considered. Tree structures, matrices, clusters, graphs, Petri nets, and flow diagrams are analyzed. Both analyses culminate in the general description of a system with the GSE thinking model “enhanced Demand Compliant Design” (e-DeCoDe), whose views and relations are presented in detail. In addition, an overview of the requirements that an IT tool must meet with regard to e-DeCoDe is provided. A selection of IT tools from the field of Model Based Systems Engineering as well as complexity management are evaluated for their usability. Finally, three examples that demonstrate concrete modeling procedures with DeCoDe for technical systems, and one example with e-DeCoDe for sociotechnical systems are described.