Researchers Mayuranath SureshKumar and Hanumanathrao Kannan have introduced a groundbreaking theory that could revolutionize systems engineering by formalizing the problem space as a semantic world model. Their work addresses a critical gap in current systems engineering practices, where reasoning often jumps directly from stakeholder goals to prescriptive artifacts without a rigorous theoretical framework.
In their paper, SureshKumar and Kannan argue that classic problem-space theory models problem-solving as a navigation through a structured space of states, operators, goals, and constraints. While systems engineering employs analogous constructs such as functional analysis, operational analysis, scenarios, and trade studies, it lacks a rigorous systems-theoretic representation of the problem space itself. This oversight can lead to foundational assumptions about the operational environment, admissible interactions, and contextual conditions being implicit or prematurely embedded in architectures or requirements.
To bridge this gap, the researchers propose formalizing the problem space as an explicit semantic world model. This model includes theoretical constructs defined prior to requirements and solution commitments. By establishing axioms, theorems, and corollaries, they provide a rigorous criterion for unambiguous boundary semantics, context-dependent interaction traceability to successful stakeholder goal satisfaction, and the sufficiency of problem-space specification. This framework ensures that disciplined reasoning can occur independent of solution design, offering a clear distinction between what is true of the problem domain and what is chosen as a solution.
The significance of this theory for practitioners is substantial. It guides problem framing before designing any prescriptive artifacts, ensuring that the problem space is thoroughly understood and explicitly defined. The researchers illustrate this through a dialogue-based hypothetical case study between a stakeholder and an engineer, demonstrating how the theory can be applied in practical scenarios.
This formal theory on problem space as a semantic world model represents a significant advancement in systems engineering. By providing a structured and rigorous approach to problem-solving, it promises to enhance the clarity, traceability, and effectiveness of systems engineering practices. The implications for the marine sector, where complex systems and environments are the norm, could be particularly profound, leading to more robust and efficient engineering solutions. Read the original research paper here.