NAFEMS-INCOSE Systems Modeling & Simulation WG 

Mission & Objectives

Systems Engineering has recognized the importance of models in a wide range of roles. Early in the development of a system, models may be used to understand the user domain, to define functions and concepts, and to capture system requirements across the levels of a system architecture. Such models may specify functional, interface, performance, and physical requirements, as well as other non-functional requirements such as reliability, maintainability, safety, and security. Engineering Simulation has been an essential part of product development engineering across many industries and disciplines for decades. This work is typically performed by technical specialists with deep knowledge in their respective domains, and with expertise in specialized mathematical and analytical tools. Combining the modeling and simulation perspectives of both Systems Engineering and Engineering Simulation can improve communications and coordination across the product development life cycle.

The Systems Modeling & Simulation Working Group (SMSWG) is a collaboration between NAFEMS (The International Association for the Engineering Modelling, Analysis and Simulation Community) and INCOSE (the International Council on Systems Engineering). The mission of the SMSWG is to develop a vendor-neutral, end-user driven consortium that not only promotes the advancement of the technology and practices associated with integration of engineering simulation and systems engineering, but also acts as the advisory body to drive strategic direction for technology development and international standards in the space of complex engineering.

Leadership

SMSWG Chair – Roger Burkhart - burkhartrogerm@johndeere.com

Responsible for:

• providing leadership to the SMSWG
• acting as the focal point of the SMSWG
• ensuring that SMSWG meetings are run effectively.

SMSWG Vice Chair – Frank Popielas - frank.popielas@smsthinktank.com

Responsible for:

• providing leadership to the SMSWG
• chairing SMSWG and SMSWG Community meetings in the absence of the Chair.
• supporting the SMSWG Chair.

NAFEMS Technical Working Group Manager – Trudy Hoye - trudy.hoye@nafems.org

Responsible for:

• acting as the primary point of contact between the SMSWG and NAFEMS
• SMSWG meeting logistics, processing new member requests
• producing the minutes for SMSWG meetings

INCOSE Central Office - Secretary@incose.org

Responsible for:

• acting as the INCOSE focal point for membership enquiries

INCOSE Assistant Director for Transformational Enablers – Phyllis Marbach - prmarbach@gmail.com

Responsible for:

• acting as the primary point of contact between the SMSWG and INCOSE
• acting as the INCOSE point of contact for SMSWG funding
• acting as the INCOSE point of contact for approving SMSWG output

NAFEMS Technical Officer – Ian Symington -  ian.symington@nafems.org

Responsible for:

• acting as the NAFEMS point of contact for SMSWG funding
• acting as the NAFEMS point of contact for approving SMSWG output

INCOSE Technical Director - David Endler - de@davidendler.de

Responsible for:

• providing the authority to terminate or request a change of scope for the SMSWG

NAFEMS CEO – Tim Morris - tim.morris@nafems.org

Responsible for:

• providing the authority to terminate or request a change of scope for the SMSWG

Working Group Products

Working group outputs in the area of Systems Modeling and Simulation include:

• guidance in the form of processes and methods;
• support for flagship NAFEMS & INCOSE events including the NAFEMS World Congress and the INCOSE Symposium. Such support will include invitations to each organization’s meetings on subjects of mutual interest;
• providing content that should be hosted on both NAFEMS and INCOSE websites. Such content would include presentations shared at meetings and a synopsis of the SMSWG’s activity;
• provide assistance, support and promotion for international standards relevant to SMS;
• develop and publish jointly a glossary of terms in use across the field of SMS;
• develop a competency framework for practitioners of SMS.

The outputs of the joint SMSWG are strengthened by carrying both the NAFEMS and INCOSE branding. Potential outputs should be discussed with the NAFEMS Technical Officer and INCOSE Director for Transformational Enablers to ensure a smooth publication process.

Planned Working Sessions at the Next Events

• Minutes will be taken for all meetings and actions will be identified. The minutes should be circulated within a month (ideally less) of a meeting date. The TWGM will produce the meeting minutes unless another meeting attendee is selected by the Chair.
• To enable international involvement in the group, group meetings will be split between physical meetings and web-based meetings. Meeting joining instructions will be circulated to the SMSWG by the TWGM in advance of each meeting, with physical meetings also providing a web-based connection and collaboration method (e.g., GlobalMeet, WebEx). [Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic meetings are being held virtually.]
• The SMSWG should aim to meet at least 6 times a year but no less than 4. A bi-monthly (once every two months) reoccurring meeting date will be set by the SMSWG on approval of these Terms of Reference. The bi-monthly reoccurring meeting date can be modified upon agreement with the SMSWG.

Planned Presentations at the Next Annual Symposium