An Agile Model-based Systems Engineering Method to Accelerate Value Delivery

Abstract

Agile methods have shown their value in the software domain and are now the dominant approach to software development. All programs would like to experience similar benefits of customer satisfaction while being on time and within budget. Yet, adopting agile methods to larger scale programs as well as programs involving both hardware and software remains fraught with difficulty and programs lack guidance on how to tailor these methods. Moreover, defense programs need to adopt model-based systems engineering and digital engineering, which is often seen as counter to agile methods. To overcome this challenge, we cast agility as a mindset to be adopted rather than a set of practices. This paper presents a method that is plan-based at the macro level, but implements agility at the micro level. The paper demonstrates the approach for the development of a microgrid for a military base. We discuss the merits of combining the approach and why it is suitable for many defense acquisition programs.