Model-Based System Architecting and Decision-Making

Abstract

We explore the application of MBSE for conceptual system architecting. Choosing an architecture is a fundamental activity. Our Model-Based System Architecting (MBSA) framework facilitates the specification of an architecture as a reasoning process-a series of conceptualization and decision-making activities, backed-up by an MBSE environment. Our framework captures both the ontol-ogy of a stakeholder-driven and solution-oriented system architecture , and the process of growing the architecture as a series of con-ceptualization steps through five ontological domains: the stakeholder domain, the solution-neutral environment, the solution-specific environment, the integrated concept, and the concept of operations. Our MBSA approach shifts the modeling focus from recording to conceptualizing, exploring, decision-making, and innovating. In comparison to an "offline" architecting process, our approach may initially require a bigger effort but should enable stronger stakeholder engagement, clearer architectural decision point framing, quicker exploration , better long-term viability, and increased model robustness.