The Complexity Concept in Engineering Management

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Evolution of the Concept
Relevance of Complexity
Fields
Conclusion
References

Introduction

In the modern world, the term “complex” has become commonplace, which makes it difficult to describe and correctly define it in the field of systems engineering. Overall, complexity and complex systems refer to the concept of operating several changes simultaneously without allowing to adjust only one variable. This is because such systems are highly dynamic and cause rapid change. Due to the speed of movement of elements in dynamic systems, the one-to-one chains are practically non-existent there (Maurer, 2017). Thus, when one element changes, other links in the chain can acquire new properties.

A complex system can be defined as an area consisting of many particles that interact with each other, thereby forming new properties. These qualities do not manifest themselves in subsystem levels and cannot be classified according to their properties (Maurer, 2017). In the context of engineering management and systems engineering, complexity can be difficult to differentiate. However, this phenomenon can be seen as a way to study systemic elements and relationships (Maurer, 2017). Complexity reflects the multitude of options and methods that can be applied when combining elements of the system (Cottrell & Montero, 2018). Moreover, it expresses the resource of the system, with the help of which it adapts to external needs (Cottrell & Montero, 2018). Additionally, complexity determines the behavior of the system within which it is able to interact in the short term. This is observed in those moments when the systems are directed and focused on the revision of the given tasks in the environment.

The complexity of highly integrated modern systems makes it possible to change the nature of the interaction of the particles involved in the process. This complexity is called dynamic because the internals are in higher communication than in earlier systems (Grogan, 2021). Thus, the main task of engineering management is to account for and calculate the impact on each part of the system. This means that, given the dynamic complexity, systems management gives the design a more fundamental part (Grogan, 2021). This change may be explained by the fact that this complexity has different characteristics than previous systems. First of all, lateral influences are more relevant than hierarchical levels. Moreover, in the process of creating design decisions, it is much more difficult to indicate their consequences (García-Díaz & Olaya, 2017). At the same time, the influence of decisions on the operation of the system is hard to link and establish.

Evolution of the Concept

The topic of the concept of complexity as it is represented in biology is closely related to the way it is approached in engineering management and system engineering. Just as in the process of constant evolution, organisms became more and more complex, gaining various features and specific attributes; engineering systems and designs gradually increased their complexity with the flow of technology development. Thus, it can be useful to approach the topic with the biological lens, as the concept of complexity is tied closely to this evolution.

Over time, all systems have steadily evolved, leading to more complex structures. Evolution considers the development of biological forms throughout life. In the Middle Ages, the concept of complexity was not considered, and the mainstream church decided that all systems were the creation of God (Mitchell, 2009). Later, Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of the eminent scientist Charles Darwin, proposed the mechanisms of evolution. Subsequently, they were taken by his grandson for the foundations, and he proposed his theory (Mitchell, 2009). However, before Charles Darwin, the concept of complexity was illuminated by such a scientist as Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. He put forward the idea that in the course of evolution, nature has the ability to complicate organisms. Lamarck suggested that species develop through the inheritance of certain traits. Thus, he argued that all systems in the process move towards something high and perfect (Mitchell, 2009). This can be applied to engineering: it operates on the fact that in systems, there is a tendency to progress, and changes, as a rule, are of a complicated nature.

In modern science, there is an opinion about the evolution of order, according to which systems change, acquiring increasing biological complexity. They are ordered within the framework of one fundamental feature, considered dynamics. At the same time, an ordered structure is created in the systems, which has a connection with thermodynamics. The flow of energy becomes a catalyst for the ordering of the system, which means that it does not come into conflict with physical laws (Cottrell & Montero, 2018). The complexity is closely tied to the process of adaptation and the ability to adjust variables, as well as to the knowledge of how to operate the changes, which are all crucial for engineering, especially the system one.

Relevance of Complexity

The urgency of the problem of complexity in systems lies in the fact that, as usual, such systems have many subsystems. These interconnected and interdependent components pose challenges to systems engineering, as their performance is difficult to calculate and predict (Wang et al., 2018). Moreover, in some areas, complex systems must have strict certified compliance, which makes anticipation complicated. Additionally, in engineering management, the relevance of complexity lies in the fact that the term has not yet been unified (Wang et al., 2018). As such, it carries a connotation of ambiguity and raises doubts about classification (Wang et al., 2018). This makes it difficult for scientists to make an estimate of complexity. However, complexity allows for the definition and integration of collaboration, interactiveness, and progressiveness (Cottrell & Montero, 2018). Complexity helps improve and refine the process by which system factors and their influence allow ideas to be developed for mitigation.

Further, system engineering is based on establishing a relevant assessment of complexity that allows one to operate with the probability of risks. Engineering management, in this case, will receive more information on how to cope with the difficulties in the design and development of systems. Complexity consists of simple system components that drive the evolution of system design. The problem with swinging a large system is complexity, which is difficult to control. At the same time, from the point of view of the managerial scope, actions to reduce complexity are usually not related to the underlying complexity of the project.

Fields

Complexity affects the consideration and solution of engineering practical problems in many areas. First of all, this applies to the area of product development (Maurer, 2017). This is due to the fact that this process is highly interactive and involves the participation of many people (Muhlich et al., 2022). The complexity is determined by the strict dependence between the many elements of the system. However, decomposing the product structure allows one to manage complexity and make it more understandable.

In the field of software development, complexity is captured in the sense that over time programs evolve from simpler to more complex. In this case, software intersects and interacts with systems engineering (Maurer, 2017). At the same time, the complexity of designing and testing software complexity becomes a catalyst for the development of systems engineering (Abatecola & Surace, 2020). In addition, different kinds of complexity – module design, overall design, and integration – constitute important engineering tools in system development (Maurer, 2017). It can be concluded that operating complex systems with great amounts of variables is an invaluable skill in engineering management.

From the point of view of management science, engineering is confronted with the management of an organization and its complexities. The difficulty lies in the fact that a corporation is a system with many components that are in constant interaction (Zureck, 2018). These subsystems, which include employees working in different sectors, reflect the dynamism of the overall design (Mehr & Lüder, 2019). With a constant relationship, the elements of the organization change, while the complexity is difficult to predict.

Conclusion

Systems engineering is focused on a comprehensive consideration of the complete system life cycle. This includes ensuring the specified functionality and characteristics, meeting budgets and work schedules, verification, production and maintenance, personnel training, decommissioning and disposal of the system. The complexity here refers to the fact that all these variables have to be accounted for and adjusted simultaneously in the process of the system’s further development. By establishing a framework for operating such changes quickly and efficiently, one can manipulate the complexity to ensure the reliability of the engineering system. However, management can prove to be difficult, as the complexity tends to be unpredictable or require a multitude of tools to adjust the system.

References

Abatecola, G., & Surace, A. (2020). Discussing the use of complexity theory in engineering management: Implications for sustainability.Sustainability, 12(24), 10-29. Web.

Cottrell, W., & Montero, M. (2018). Complexity is simple!Journal of High Energy Physics, 2018(2), 1-30. Web.

García-Díaz, C., & Olaya, C. (Eds.). (2017). Social systems engineering: The design of complexity. John Wiley & Sons.

Grogan, P. T. (2021). Perception of complexity in engineering design.Systems Engineering, 24(4), 221-233. Web.

Maurer, M. (2017). Complexity management in engineering design–a primer. Springer.

Mehr, R., & Lüder, A. (2019). Managing complexity within the engineering of product and production systems. In Security and quality in cyber-physical systems engineering (pp. 57-79). Springer, Cham.

Mitchell, M. (2009). Complexity: A guided tour. Oxford University Press.

Muhich, A. J., Agosto-Ramos, A., & Kliebenstein, D. J. (2022). The ease and complexity of identifying and using specialized metabolites for crop engineering.Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, 6(2), 153-162. Web.

Wang, H., Gu, T., Jin, M., Zhao, R., & Wang, G. (2018). The complexity measurement and evolution analysis of supply chain network under disruption risks.Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 116, 72-78. Web.

Zurek, W. H. (2018). Complexity, entropy and the physics of information. CRC Press.

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