Posted by
astrid on Dec 27, 2018 in
Issue 1, December 2018,
Volume 17 |
Comments Off on Complex Adaptive Systems of Systems: A Grounded Theory Approach
Bonnie Johnson, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Karen Holness, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Wayne Porter, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Alejandro Hernandez, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Abstract This paper details the classic grounded theory approach used in a research project to develop a conceptual theory for an engineering solution to address highly complex problems. Highly complex problem domains exist and are on the rise as we enter an Age of Interactions and Complexity. Our current world has been characterized by the plethora and ubiquity of information and global interconnections that link events and decisions to outcomes and effects that are often unpredictable and result in severe unforeseen and unintended consequences. Technological advances such as computers, the internet, Big Data, social media, artificial intelligence, and communication networks have expanded complex problem spaces. However, these same technologies present an opportunity to engineer a complex adaptive system of systems solution to address these challenging problems. This research project embarked on a classic grounded theory approach to study a number of knowledge domains and engineering processes, allowing a conceptual theory to emerge that offers an engineering solution to address highly complex problems. The project resulted in the emergence of a theory for a new class of engineered CASoS solutions. This paper details the classic grounded theory approach taken to conduct the research. Keywords: complex adaptive systems of systems, grounded theory, systems engineering, complexity Introduction Most people would agree that the world is becoming more complex. Much of this is driven by two phenomena that have started to dominate our lives in recent years. First, we face an unprecedented level of integration and are immersed in a complex web of interacting technologies and processes, dominated by the developments in information and communication technologies. Second, rapid change has become the norm with technologies, practices, and organizations being introduced continuously into this highly integrated web. (Calvano and John, 2004, p.29) The rise of automation in many systems, and technological ubiquity in general, present complex problems that require a solution that can continually adapt to meet the changing demands of the operational environment. The interaction of heterogeneous and increased technologies introduces multi-faceted problems that are unlike any before seen. Alberts (2011) stated that we have entered the Age of Interactions in which events and decisions are linked to many outcomes that affect many other events. Bar-Yam (2004b) cited many examples of complex problem spaces including military conflict, health care, education, international development, large scale natural disasters, ethnic violence, and terrorism. National strategies often invoke the DIME (diplomatic, information, military, and economic) construct, as is the case when countries apply economic sanctions, or use diplomatic negotiations. Hillson (2009) explained that the DIME components constitute actions and consequential effects that can be highly interactive, complex, and unpredictable. As nations implement the DIME construct, the effects can be highly interrelated and can have unpredictable consequences. Technological advances in global information and communication infrastructures accelerate these complex interactions and the tempo of cause and effect. Complexity scientists are studying the causes and effects of seemingly unrelated events that have significant repercussions. Lagi, Bertrand, and Bar-Yam (2011) found that agricultural price increases in North America due to droughts were indirectly and inadvertently linked as a causal factor to violent protests in North Africa and the Middle East. Technological advances in computers, Big Data, artificial intelligence, global information and communication networks have contributed to complex problem spaces. Big Data refers to the current paradigm of enormous amounts of data and information...