A survey on complexity management in systems engineering

In this contribution, we classify approaches towards complexity management in systems engineering. With the aid of an extensive survey of complexity, we identify similarities, differences, overlaps and gaps of complexity definitions and interactions between research areas. The overarching goal of this paper is to support a better understanding of complexity. An extensive literature review revealed seven disciplines that have direct relevance to issues of complexity. These disciplines are: Complex Systems, Product Development, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Management Science, Complexity Theory and Complex Networks. Additionally, the research unveiled overlaps between the various disciplines and in turn helped to expose voids or white spots between the disciplines. These white spots represent areas without any scientific contributions so far, showing need and possibilities of future research. The findings are implemented to a Venn Diagram for easy access.