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Systems thinking is a transdisciplinary research field which provides a powerful framework (i.e. theories, methodologies, and methods) for systems engineers to deal with the complexities of problem formulation. In this paper, we are motivated by the valuable benefits that systems thinking can contribute to theory and practice of requirement engineering. At a theoretical level, systems thinking is an intellectually rich domain of theoretical stances on how to build a systemic understanding of complex situations. Each of these theories offers a unique perspective on the problematic situation. For practice, using a systems approach offers a variety of approaches and techniques to serve different purposes (e.g. exploring purpose, bringing in different viewpoints, building consensus) and problem framing phases (e.g. identify issues, assess alternative solutions). This paper is intended for system engineers (researchers, practitioners, students) who are interested to know about systems thinking, and how it may contribute to understanding and framing complex situations, and identifying stakeholders' needs. First, we review the literature on systems thinking in the systems engineering field. We provide a discussion of these studies as there have been limited discussions and understanding of the use of systems thinking in the systems engineering literature. The overview of literature shows a gap in applications of the systems thinking ideas and methods in literature. Second, we develop a preliminary framework which brings together a holistic repertoire of systems thinking concepts and methods from different paradigms. The primary purpose of the framework is to: (1) provide a systems thinking-grounded view of the requirement elicitation process, (2) raise awareness about the variety of available systems thinking, their theoretical background, and how they can contribute to the process, and (3) provide insight into the practice aspects of these methods, including their: strengths, limitations, expected outcomes, and potential of combining them with other methods. The framework is based on critical systems practice theory. In practice, whenever faced with a task in a particular situation through inquiry process, a practitioner who is aware of the various theories and is equipped with an armory of methods and tools, will be able to assess the fitness of methods to the context. As the situation changes, some issues disappear and new issues emerge, the analyst will continually cycle around the phases of creativity, choice, and implementation in an ongoing quest for learning about the situation and the purpose of the proposed solution. The presented framework is theory-driven, and has not been applied and tested in real-life systems engineering applications. Future applications will help improve the framework based on an empirical understanding of 'what works' and 'what does not work' in 'what context'.

Beyond why to what and how: the use of systems thinking to support problem formulation in systems engineering applications