View: System Properties

This section identifies the system properties that are created through the interaction and properties of the system elements. Suggested headings have been included. These can be tailored.

System properties Overview

The Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS) delivers value to customers and stakeholders through its system properties. Some of the properties are generated through the interaction of the system elements and others are aggregations of the properties of the system elements. The Operating Model (or Architecture Description) describes the way these properties are created.

Systemic Measurable Variables

The measurable variables of the enterprise typically relate to the variables associated with the stated objectives of the enterprise. Peter Drucker has identified 8 typical objectives for an enterprise.

Objectives are generally set in the following areas (at the top level):

  • Marketing
  • Innovation
  • Human Organization.
  • Financial Resources.
  • Physical Resources.
  • Productivity
  • Social Responsibility
  • Profit Requirements

These objectives provide a basis for measuring the performance of the enterprise.

Some more detailed measurable variables include:

  • High customer satisfaction and continued use
  • Positive and motivating culture within the collection of organizations within the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS)
  • Speed to sense and adapt to changes in the environment
  • Positive contribution to society and the economy
  • Development of suppliers and customers capabilities to enable the organization to meet its objectives.

Systemic Capabilities or Functions

The capabilities or functions the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS) are the specific products and /or services provided by the enterprise. These capabilities are only created through the interaction of the organizations collaborating in this enterprise. These capabilities include:

  • Management Capabilities to create, manage, improve and release the enterprise capabilities through the organizations that collaborate to achieve the enterprise objectives.
  • Delivery of products and services
  • Transform the inputs from suppliers into the value required by the customers.
  • The capability of the enterprise to sense and respond to any of the measurable variables leading to undesired properties can impact the long term sustainability of the organization.

System States

The top management team establishes the state of the Enterprise as a System of Systems (SoS).

  • Architectural states
    • Identified: The concept of the enterprise is established.
    • Designing: The Initial "Target Operating Model" is created.
    • Initiating The core of the enterprise is being established and the plans are created. Any legal entities are created according to the "Target Operating Model".
  • Operational States
    • Active The enterprise has the capabilities necessary to sustain its purpose, change and growth. This current operational state is described by a "Current Operating Model".
    • Changing: The enterprise is transitioning to a "Target Operating Model" which will become the "Current Operating Model" for the Active state when the change is complete.
    • Closing The enterprise is releasing resources and releasing its contractual obligations.
    • Closed The enterprise has ceased to exist.

These states move as a result of the Developmental structural changes within the enterprise.

Systemic Quality Properties

  • Health of the Enterprise
  • Customer Satisfaction

System Quantity Properties

  • Quantities of natural resources available on the planet (finite resources from the planet)