Presentation Systems Engineering Test & Evaluation Conference 2024

Industry-Focused MBSE Curriculum: Role-Specific Capabilities to Meet Industry Needs  (21102)

Ebrahim Aly 1 2 , Emiliya Suprun 1 2 , Sondoss Elsawah 1 2
  1. Capability Systems Centre, UNSW, Canberra, Australia
  2. School of Systems and Computing, UNSW, Canberra, Australia

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is rapidly gaining popularity across various industries due to its effectiveness in managing complex systems. Its utility is well recognized by researchers and systems engineering (SE) practitioners alike, who acknowledge its potential to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance collaboration. Despite its recognized benefits, the adoption of MBSE still faces several challenges. Research has identified several challenges related to the adoption of MBSE, categorizing them into knowledge-based, tool-based, cultural and political, cost-related, and stakeholder understanding and acceptance-related challenges. Among these, knowledge-based and tool-based challenges are deemed the most critical. These challenges, particularly the knowledge related one, are closely linked to deficient coursework and training programs for MBSE. This highlights the pressing need for structured and robust MBSE curriculum that can adequately address these key barriers to MBSE adoption and ensure its successful integration into industry practices. To effectively address the disconnect between training programs and industry demands in MBSE, it is essential to thoroughly tackle the key components affecting the workforce readiness such as skills, competencies, and training levels. Additionally, these components should not be considered in isolation; rather, they should be viewed as an interconnected network where each element influences the others. This work proposes a framework that delineates these relationships and utilize it create a cohesive and comprehensive MBSE curriculum. By clearly defining the specific skills and competencies necessary for different roles in the MBSE ecosystem and matching them with corresponding training levels, the framework ensures a systematic and coordinated educational approach. The curriculum is applied for an MBSE professional education program delivered at UNSW Canberra. By incorporating the framework’s principles, the curriculum aims to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies to effectively apply MBSE, thereby addressing the key challenges in MBSE adoption and enhancing workforce readiness.