Emergent Enterprise Dynamics in Optimal Control Models of the System of Systems Engineering Process

An enter-prise engaged in a dynamic mission involving multiple internal and external stakeholders operates as a complex adaptive system. System of systems engineering in such a context, spanning the entire cycle from research and development, through acquisition, transition to operations, operational use and maintenance, and system retirement, is extraordinarily complex. Here, we apply high-level and simplified optimal control-theoretic models of complex system of systems engineering processes to the acquisition of new capabilities or enterprise transformation. The results suggest guidelines and research directions for planning and managing the system of systems engineering processes of an enterprise. The results also provide quantitative benchmarks against which all kinds of enterprise programs, encompassing acquisition of capabilities and operational use towards a mission, can be compared. Such modeling also could be used to support decision-making on selection of acquisition and management approaches for these extremely complex efforts.