Meeting Speaker Ed Carroll: How is Model-based Systems Engineering Justified?
Albuquerque
Applied Technology Associates (ATA), 1300 Britt Street, SE
Abstract: The change process, investment, training, and tools needed to implement a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach across the engineering enterprise are substantial. How is the change from a document-based systems engineering approach (DBSE) to a model-based systems engineering approach (MBSE) justified? The primary conclusion from a literature review is that there is a significant advantage to project performance by applying an MBSE approach. An MBSE approach made the engineering processes on a complex system development effort more efficient by improving requirements completeness, consistency, and communication. These were seen in engineering processes involved in requirements management, concept exploration, design reuse, test and qualification, Verification and Validation, and margins analyses. An MBSE approach was most effective at improving defect prevention strategies. The approach was found to enhance the capability to find defects early in the system development life cycle (SDLC), when they could be fixed with less impact and prevented rework in later phases, thus mitigating risks to cost, schedule, and mission.
Bio: Ed Carroll is a research analyst at Sandia National Laboratories and a hands-on data-strategy professional who works closely with senior stakeholders to discover opportunities deep in the data. With more than 20 years of experience developing data-intensive solutiolytic models for strategic decision making (often proving engineering best practices), economic performance analyses and merchandising optimization, improved processes for manufacturing and supply-chain management through statistical process control, and defined statistical comparisons of clinical procedure effectiveness. Ed directed his own consultancy for 14 years, and provided strategic leadership in executive roles in business development for Online Business Systems and Agilis Solutions, as well as technology roles as vice president of engineering for Egghead.com, director of technology at Nike, and director of software engineering at Boeing. Ed received a Bachelor of Art's degree in Liberal Arts from Arizona State University in 1979, a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1988, and a Graduate Certificate in BioMedical Informatics from Oregon Health Sciences University in 2011. He lives with his wife Barbara in Albuquerque, NM.