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----'''''Lead Author:''''' ''Tami Katz'' '''''Contributing Authors:''''' ''Lou Wheatcraft, Mike Ryan, Garry Roedler, Rick Adcock''
'''''Lead Author:''''' ''Tami Katz'' '''''Contributing Author:''''' ''Lou Wheatcraft''
----'''{{Term|Concept Definition (glossary)|Concept Definition}}''' is the set of systems engineering (SE) activities in which the problem space as well as the needs and requirements of the business (or enterprise) and {{Term|Stakeholder (glossary)|stakeholders}} are closely examined. Concept definition begins before any formal definition of the {{Term|System-of-Interest  (glossary)|system-of-interest}} (SoI) is developed.
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New Title: Concept Definition


{{Term|Concept (glossary)|Concept}} Definition is the set of systems engineering (SE) activities in which the problem space and the needs and requirements of the business or enterprise and {{Term|Stakeholder (glossary)|stakeholders}} are closely examined. Concept Definition begins before any formal definition of the {{Term|System-of-Interest  (glossary)|system-of-interest}} (SoI) is developed.  
The Concept Definition activities include [[Business or Mission Analysis]] and [[Stakeholder Needs Definition]]. Within these two activities the enterprise or project decision makers, as well as additional key stakeholders, describe ''what'' a solution should accomplish and ''why'' it is needed. Both ''why'' and ''what'' need to be answered before consideration is given to ''how'' the {{term|Problem (glossary)|problem}} will be addressed (i.e., what type of solution will be implemented) and ''how'' the {{term|Solution (glossary)|solution}} will be defined and developed.


The Concept Definition activities include Business or Mission Analysis and Stakeholder Needs and Requirements. 
==Concept Definition Activities==
 
There are two primary activities discussed under Concept Definition: {{Term|Mission Analysis (glossary)|Business or Mission Analysis}} and the definition of {{term|Stakeholder Needs and Requirements (glossary)|Stakeholder Needs}}:
*The Business or {{Term|Mission Analysis (glossary)|Mission Analysis}} process focuses on defining the problem or opportunity that exists, as well as understanding the life cycle concepts, constraints on and boundaries of the SoI.
*The {{Term|Stakeholder Requirement (glossary)|Stakeholder Needs and Requirements}} process explores and defines the operational aspects of a potential solution for the stakeholders from their point of view, independent of any specific solution.
 
With these two Concept Definition activities, business or enterprise decision makers and other stakeholders describe ''what'' a solution should accomplish and ''why'' it is needed.  Both ''why'' and ''what'' need to be answered before consideration is given to ''how'' the problem will be addressed (i.e., what type of solution will be implemented) and ''how'' the solution will be defined and developed. 
 
The specific activities and sequence of Concept Definition activities and their involvement with the life cycle activities of any system, and in particular the close integration with System Definition activities, will be dependent upon the type of {{Term|Life Cycle Model (glossary)|life cycle model}} being utilized.  See [[Applying Life Cycle Processes]] for further discussion of the concurrent, iterative and recursive nature of these relationships.
 
The Concept Definition provides input into the {{Term|System Definition (glossary)|System Definition}} activities (System Requirements Definition, System Architecture Definition, and Design Definition) to generate the SoI design.


== Topics==
#The [[Business or Mission Analysis]] activity defines the problem, {{term|Threat (glossary)|threat}}, or {{term|Opportunity (glossary)|opportunity}} being addressed which could result in a new or modified product or service. This process also includes identification of major stakeholders, the mission, goals, and objectives of the SoI, the measures of success, identification of business needs and requirements, and identification of the SoI life cycle concepts.
Each part of the SEBoK is divided into knowledge areas (KAs), which are groupings of information with a related theme. The KAs in turn are divided into topics. This KA contains the following topics:
#The [[Stakeholder Needs Definition]] activity uses the inputs from the Business or Mission Analysis effort to identify an integrated set of needs based on inputs from the major stakeholders, higher-level requirements, and an analysis of the life cycle concepts, drivers, constraints, and risks.
*[[Business or Mission Analysis]]
The products and artifacts produced during Concept Definition are then used in the {{Term|System Definition (glossary)|System Definition}} process.
*[[Stakeholder Needs and Requirements]]
See the article [[Matrix of Implementation Examples]] for a mapping of case studies and vignettes included in Part 7 as well as topics covered in Part 3.


==Concept Definition Activities==
==Drivers of Concept Definition==
There are two primary activities discussed under concept definition: Business or {{Term|Mission Analysis (glossary)|Mission Analysis}} and the definition of {{Term|Stakeholder Requirement (glossary)|Stakeholder Needs and Requirements}}:
There are many considerations associated with concept definition activities, which are further elaborated below.


#[[Business or Mission Analysis|Mission Analysis]] begins
=== The Role of Architecture Development ===
an iteration of the life cycle of a potential SoI that could solve a problem or realize an opportunity for developing a new product, service, or enterprise. These activities assist business or enterprise decision makers to define the problem space, identify the stakeholders, develop preliminary operational concepts, and distinguish environmental conditions and constraints that bound the solution space. In other words, mission analysis takes the enterprise capability gap or opportunity and defines the problem/opportunity in a manner that provides a common understanding encapsulated in what are referred to as “business or mission needs.” Business or mission needs are then used to produce a clear, concise, and verifiable set of business requirements.
The activities of [[Business or Mission Analysis]] and [[Stakeholder Needs Definition]] occur concurrently with the processes of [[System Architecture Design Definition]].  The activities to address a full set of needs includes identification of SoI life cycle concepts, external interfaces and constraints, as well as candidate solutions and an exploration of the architecture ({{term|Logical Architecture (glossary)|logical}} and {{term|Functional Architecture (glossary)|functional}}).
# The [[Stakeholder Needs and Requirements]] activity works with stakeholders across the life cycle to elicit and capture a set of needs, expectations, goals, or objectives for a desired solution to the problem or opportunity, referred to as "stakeholder needs". The stakeholder needs are used to produce a clear, concise, and verifiable set of stakeholder requirements. Stakeholder needs and requirements identify and define the needs and requirements of the stakeholders in a manner that enables the characterization of the solution alternatives.


<s>Mission Analysis takes the business and stakeholders' needs and requirements and carries the analysis down from problem space to solution space, including concept, mission, and boundary or context so that a solution concept (at the black-box level) can be selected from the alternatives. Figure 1 in the [[Business or Mission Analysis|Mission Analysis]] topic depicts this interaction.  The products and artifacts produced during Concept Definition are then used in {{Term|System Definition (glossary)|System Definition}}.</s>
=== Drivers of Solution on Problem Definition ===
During Concept Definition, the problem definition and solution exploration depend on each other: solutions should be developed to respond appropriately to well-defined problems; and problem definitions should be constrained by what is feasible in the solution space. System analysis is used to provide the links between problems and solutions.


<s>The different aspects of how {{Term|Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking}} is applicable to concept definition are discussed in SEBoK Part 2.  In particular, the use of a combination of {{Term|Hard System (glossary)|hard system}} and {{Term|Soft System (glossary)|soft system}} approaches depending on the type of problem or class of solution is discussed in [[Identifying and Understanding Problems and Opportunities]]  and the contrast between top-down and bottom-up approaches in [[Synthesizing Possible Solutions]].</s>
There are two paradigms that drive the ways in which concept definition is done: push and pull. The pull paradigm is based on providing a solution to an identified problem or gap, such as a missing mission {{term|Capability (glossary)|capability}} for defense or infrastructure. The push paradigm is based on creating a solution to address a perceived opportunity, such as the emergence of an anticipated product or service that is attractive to some portion of the population (i.e. whether a current market exists or not). This can impact other life cycle processes, such as verification and validation, or alpha/beta testing as done in some commercial domains.


As systems generally integrate existing and new system elements in a mixture of push and pull, it is often best to combine a bottom-up approach with a top-down approach to take into account legacy elements, as well as to identify the services and capabilities that must be provided in order to define applicable interface requirements and constraints. This is discussed in [[Applying Life Cycle Processes]].


=== New System or Modification of Existing System ===
The activities of concept definition determine whether the enterprise strategic goals and business needs will be addressed by a new system, a change to an existing system, a service, an operational change, or some other solution.


For a new system, the organization or customer has decided to start with a “blank piece of paper”.  This is often referred to as a green-field system, and analysis efforts during concept definition characterize the as-is or present-state of the SoI in terms of the problem, threat, or opportunity and then characterize the to-be or future-state of the SoI in obtaining the resolution of the problem, threat, or opportunity.


An existing system can be evolved or transformed into the desired system.  This is often referred to as a brown-field system, and the data that has been established for the original system can be used as inputs into the analysis efforts during concept definition activities.  The existing system may have been developed for other purposes, the stakeholder needs or the operational environment may have changed, e.g., a change in threats. The analysis effort will explore the problem space and possible solutions to the gaps of the existing system to address the problem, threat or opportunity.
==References==
==References==


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===Primary References===
===Primary References===
To do - Clean this up:
INCOSE. 2023. ''[[INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook|Systems Engineering Handbook]]: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities'', version 5.0. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc, ISBN: 978-1-118-99940-0.


INCOSE. 2023. '[[INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook|Systems Engineering Handbook]]: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities', version 5.0. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc, ISBN: 978-1-118-99940-0.
INCOSE. 2022. ''INCOSE Needs and Requirements Manual'', version 1.1. INCOSE-TP-2021-002-01.


INCOSE. 2022. INOSE Needs and Requirements Manual, version 1.1. INCOSE-TP-2021-002-01.
ISO/IEC/IEEE. 2023. ''[[ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288|Systems and Software Engineering - System Life Cycle Processes]].'' Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. [[ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288]]:2023.  


ISO/IEC/IEEE. 2023. ''[[ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288|Systems and Software Engineering - System Life Cycle Processes]].'' Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. [[ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288]]:2023. [to do - ensure link is updated to 2023 writeup]
===Additional References===
Hitchins, D. 2007. ''Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology''. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons.


===Additional References===
ISO/IEC. 2003. ''Systems Engineering – A Guide for The Application of ISO/IEC 15288 System Life Cycle Processes''.
To do - Clean this up:


Hitchins, D. 2007. ''Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology.'' Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons.
ISO/IEC. 2007. ''Systems Engineering – Application and Management of The Systems Engineering Process''. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standards (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 26702:2007.  


''ISO/IEC. 2003. Systems Engineering – A Guide for The Application of ISO/IEC 15288 System Life Cycle Processes''. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 19760:2003 (E). http://www.hitchins.net/EmergenceEtc.pdf.
Jackson, S., D. Hitchins, and H. Eisner. 2010. ''"What is the Systems Approach?" INCOSE Insight''. (April 2010): 41-43.


ISO/IEC. 2007. ''Systems Engineering – Application and Management of The Systems Engineering Process''. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standards (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 26702:2007.  
NASA. 2016. ''Systems Engineering Handbook''. Washington, D.C., USA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA/SP-2016-6105 rev 2.


Jackson, S., D. Hitchins, and H. Eisner. 2010. "What is the Systems Approach?" INCOSE ''Insight.'' (April 2010): 41-43.


NASA. 2007. ''Systems Engineering Handbook''. Washington, D.C., USA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA/SP-2007-6105.


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<center>[[Measurement|< Previous Article]] | [[Systems Engineering and Management|Parent Article]] | [[Business or Mission Analysis|Next Article >]]</center>
<center>[[Measurement|< Previous Article]] | [[Systems Engineering and Management|Parent Article]] | [[Business or Mission Analysis|Next Article >]]</center>


<center>'''SEBoK v. 2.9, released 20 November 2023'''</center>
<center>'''SEBoK v. 2.12, released 27 May 2025'''</center>


[[Category:Part 3]]
[[Category:Part 3]]
[[Category:Knowledge Area]]
[[Category:Knowledge Area]]

Latest revision as of 01:00, 24 May 2025


Lead Author: Tami Katz Contributing Authors: Lou Wheatcraft, Mike Ryan, Garry Roedler, Rick Adcock


Concept DefinitionConcept Definition is the set of systems engineering (SE) activities in which the problem space as well as the needs and requirements of the business (or enterprise) and stakeholdersstakeholders are closely examined. Concept definition begins before any formal definition of the system-of-interestsystem-of-interest (SoI) is developed.

The Concept Definition activities include Business or Mission Analysis and Stakeholder Needs Definition. Within these two activities the enterprise or project decision makers, as well as additional key stakeholders, describe what a solution should accomplish and why it is needed. Both why and what need to be answered before consideration is given to how the problemproblem will be addressed (i.e., what type of solution will be implemented) and how the solutionsolution will be defined and developed.

Concept Definition Activities

There are two primary activities discussed under Concept Definition: Business or Mission AnalysisBusiness or Mission Analysis and the definition of Stakeholder NeedsStakeholder Needs:

  1. The Business or Mission Analysis activity defines the problem, threatthreat, or opportunityopportunity being addressed which could result in a new or modified product or service. This process also includes identification of major stakeholders, the mission, goals, and objectives of the SoI, the measures of success, identification of business needs and requirements, and identification of the SoI life cycle concepts.
  2. The Stakeholder Needs Definition activity uses the inputs from the Business or Mission Analysis effort to identify an integrated set of needs based on inputs from the major stakeholders, higher-level requirements, and an analysis of the life cycle concepts, drivers, constraints, and risks.

The products and artifacts produced during Concept Definition are then used in the System DefinitionSystem Definition process.

Drivers of Concept Definition

There are many considerations associated with concept definition activities, which are further elaborated below.

The Role of Architecture Development

The activities of Business or Mission Analysis and Stakeholder Needs Definition occur concurrently with the processes of System Architecture Design Definition. The activities to address a full set of needs includes identification of SoI life cycle concepts, external interfaces and constraints, as well as candidate solutions and an exploration of the architecture (logicallogical and functionalfunctional).

Drivers of Solution on Problem Definition

During Concept Definition, the problem definition and solution exploration depend on each other: solutions should be developed to respond appropriately to well-defined problems; and problem definitions should be constrained by what is feasible in the solution space. System analysis is used to provide the links between problems and solutions.

There are two paradigms that drive the ways in which concept definition is done: push and pull. The pull paradigm is based on providing a solution to an identified problem or gap, such as a missing mission capabilitycapability for defense or infrastructure. The push paradigm is based on creating a solution to address a perceived opportunity, such as the emergence of an anticipated product or service that is attractive to some portion of the population (i.e. whether a current market exists or not). This can impact other life cycle processes, such as verification and validation, or alpha/beta testing as done in some commercial domains.

As systems generally integrate existing and new system elements in a mixture of push and pull, it is often best to combine a bottom-up approach with a top-down approach to take into account legacy elements, as well as to identify the services and capabilities that must be provided in order to define applicable interface requirements and constraints. This is discussed in Applying Life Cycle Processes.

New System or Modification of Existing System

The activities of concept definition determine whether the enterprise strategic goals and business needs will be addressed by a new system, a change to an existing system, a service, an operational change, or some other solution.

For a new system, the organization or customer has decided to start with a “blank piece of paper”.  This is often referred to as a green-field system, and analysis efforts during concept definition characterize the as-is or present-state of the SoI in terms of the problem, threat, or opportunity and then characterize the to-be or future-state of the SoI in obtaining the resolution of the problem, threat, or opportunity.

An existing system can be evolved or transformed into the desired system. This is often referred to as a brown-field system, and the data that has been established for the original system can be used as inputs into the analysis efforts during concept definition activities. The existing system may have been developed for other purposes, the stakeholder needs or the operational environment may have changed, e.g., a change in threats. The analysis effort will explore the problem space and possible solutions to the gaps of the existing system to address the problem, threat or opportunity.

References

Works Cited

None.

Primary References

INCOSE. 2023. Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, version 5.0. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc, ISBN: 978-1-118-99940-0.

INCOSE. 2022. INCOSE Needs and Requirements Manual, version 1.1. INCOSE-TP-2021-002-01.

ISO/IEC/IEEE. 2023. Systems and Software Engineering - System Life Cycle Processes. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2023.

Additional References

Hitchins, D. 2007. Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons.

ISO/IEC. 2003. Systems Engineering – A Guide for The Application of ISO/IEC 15288 System Life Cycle Processes.

ISO/IEC. 2007. Systems Engineering – Application and Management of The Systems Engineering Process. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standards (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 26702:2007.

Jackson, S., D. Hitchins, and H. Eisner. 2010. "What is the Systems Approach?" INCOSE Insight. (April 2010): 41-43.

NASA. 2016. Systems Engineering Handbook. Washington, D.C., USA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA/SP-2016-6105 rev 2.




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