Safer Complex Systems Working Group (SCSWG)
The SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG builds on the IET/INCOSE/RAE work already done in this area. It is recognised that the RAE work is ongoing and collaboration is encouraged.
Mission Statement
To produce practical guidance on developing, managing and assuring safety of complex systems throughout their lifecycle
Statement of the Problem
- It is acknowledged that complex systems are becoming more prevalent with more opportunities to cause harm
- There are also new complex systems arising from using combinations of existing systems and services which are then used for safety purposes
- Complex systems are not sufficiently addressed in current safety management practices and standards
- In particular, complex interactions and emergent behaviours are not currently assessed and managed sufficiently
- There could be benefit in developing new analysis, tools and techniques to manage complex system risks
- There are clear business and societal benefits, in terms of reduced harm, reduced liabilities and improved business efficiencies, in improved management of complex systems risk
Draft Guidance Document
The WG members are developing a guidance document "Guidance on Through-Life Assurance of Complex Systems" and the first draft will be issued at SSS'25. Chris Hobbs is the editor and updates and new content can be submitted through him. Also there is a Google Sheet where comments can be raised and actioned:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vtaDb45gUKviITwzQ1Udw_YZ2kv7gTy8pgFV2sYZrmo/edit
When you first access the sheet you will have to request permission to edit it. The sheet operation should be self-explanatory: please only edit the cells in columns A-E.
Any problems please contact mike.parsons@scsc.uk
WG Operation
We meet approximately every 6 weeks online via Zoom. We already have quite a few existing members, some draft documents and lots of interest. We will build on this.
Upcoming Meetings
The 13th meeting of the SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG via Zoom is on October 16th 15:30-17:00:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093817659?pwd=j19qZPH1eojNWanSc4veCgMI80otYW.1
Agenda includes:
- Progress on the guidance document
- SSS'25 paper on Characteristics of Complex Systems
- The two presentations for SSS'25
See you on the call,
Mike.
Please contact Mike Parsons mike.parsons@scsc.uk if you want to attend.
Past Meetings
12th Meeting 17th September 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft
11th Meeting 17th July 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft
10th Meeting 11th June 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft
9th Meeting 30th April 2024 - Slides, Minutes
8th Meeting 14th March 2024 - Slides, Minutes
7th Meeting 17th January 2024 - Slides, Minutes
6th Meeting 28th November 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by James Inge
5th Meeting 19th October 2023 - Slides, Minutes
4th Meeting 14th September 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by Simon Whiteley
3rd Meeting 13th July 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by David Slater
2nd Meeting 25th May 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by Simon Hutton
1st Meeting 26th April 2023 - Slides and Presentation by Simon Burton
Kick-Off Meeting 29th March 2023 - Slides
Background Materials
INCOSE: A Complexity Primer for Systems Engineers
INCOSE: A Complexity Primer for Systems Engineers (slide set)
David H. Slater and Ben J. M. Ale: Safety and Complexiy
RAE: Safer Complex Systems: An Initial Framework
IET: Safely managing the emergent properties of complex systems
INCOSE: Appreciative Methods Applied to the Assessment of Complex Systems
Adam Johns: Complicated & Complex Systems in Safety Management
Peter Bernard Ladkin - Notes on Simon Whiteley's Überlingen Analysis
WORKING DRAFT Guidance from the IET initiative (under development)
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