Technical Report
Multi-Level Modeling of Socio-Technical Systems – Volume 1

Report Number: SERC-2013-TR-020-3
Publication Date: 2013-12-02
Project:
Multi-Level Socio-Technical Modeling and Enterprise Systems Analysis
Principal Investigators:
Dr. William Rouse
Co-Principal Investigators:
Dr. Douglas Bodner
Dr. Michael Pennock
This report discusses the initial development of a methodology for
modeling complex socio-technical problems.
A companion report discusses an in-depth case study of the occurrence of
counterfeit parts in the supply chains for Department of Defense weapon
systems. These two reports reflect the
balance of this research between more theoretical developments and in-depth
case studies. This report presents a
proposed ten-step methodology for modeling complex socio-technical
systems. We elaborate an example of the
use of the methodology for ground vehicle design and control that illustrates
the nuances of the methodology. We then
explore in depth issues associated with representation and composition. This leads to elaboration of a model
composition framework. This is followed
by consideration of eventual use of the modeling methodology. Use considerations provide the basis for
subsequent discussion of approaches to supporting the use of the methodology.
Finally, we outline a development roadmap for iteratively advancing and
applying the methodology.