10.2.2 Research on a Framework for Systems Engineering Tools for Australian Small and Medium Enterprises

To be self‐reliant and competitive in winning and maintaining defence contracts, the Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to improve their systems capability. By systems capability it is meant effectual use of sound systems engineering (SE) processes and effective use of SE tools. Unlike most large organisations, the Australian SMEs have not widely employed SE processes and tools in their endeavour. In addition, the SE software tools the Australian SMEs are currently using do not appear to have effectively aided them with their work. This paper describes research to develop a framework for aiding Australian SMEs in effectively acquiring and applying SE processes and tools and thereby improving their systems capability. Specifically, the research involves a collection and analysis of information about the fundamental nature of SMEs; an exploration of relationships between SE process and tools and the Australian SMEs; the development of requirements for SE tools functionality appropriate for SME needs; and the development of framework for acquiring and applying SE tools for SMEs. It also discusses the current outcomes of this research, which consist of a comprehensive research plan, a mapping of SE activities reported in INCOSE Symposia Proceedings (1994–2006) to the Hitchins‐Kasser‐Massie (HKM) framework, and a preliminary view of relationships between SMEs and SE tools. Finally, the final results of this research may be extendable to commercial and overseas SMEs.