Decision Support for Process Maturity Improvement in Model-based Systems Engineering

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) can address many challenges of modern systems development. However, due to its comprehensive coverage, process maturity improvement can take many directions, potentially leading to sub-optimal solutions. Therefore, selecting disciplines most aligned to the development team context and goal is key to higher returns on investment. This research aims to relate goals driving MBSE process maturity improvement and candidate capabilities, thus, providing recommendations that highest yield the expected benefits. For this means, we propose a goal-benefit model and respective operationalization method. The model relates MBSE capabilities with benefits generated upon implementation and process improvement goals. Our approach results in a list of MBSE capabilities prioritized according to the improvement goal. The approach was applied to eight development teams located in Germany and Brazil. We also provide a sensitivity analysis to validate the model. The approach was assessed positively by the case study participants, who stated that it provides a starting ground for process maturity improvement efforts.