BASIC STRUCTURAL MODELING PROJECT
Joseph J. Simpson
05-06-2013
PROJECT DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT
Version 0.28 Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose
Project Context
Basic Structural Modeling Publications
Basic Structural Modeling Elements
Basic Structural Modeling Executable Code
Basic Structural Model Project Schedule
Basic Structural Model Project Organization
Appendix A – SAGE Support for BSM Functions Introduction
The Basic Structural Modeling (BSM) Project (BSMP) is focused on clearly defining the elements of BSM, and creating a well-documented set of computer executable code that demonstrates each element of the code base. Each BSM element will have a text description, an outline of typical application, executable code functions, and standard test packages. BSM is one component of Structural Modeling developed by John N. Warfield and reported in a number of publications, including Societal Systems: Planning, Policy and Complexity, 1976. Structural Modeling has two components: BSM and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Within this project, ISM will only be considered when the BSM elements are used to support ISM activities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the BSMP is the creation of an open-source set of computer code that is available to support the implementation of ISM methods. A distinct boundary between BSM and ISM is developed to support awareness of these two different structural modeling activities. Well-defined packages of verified code – produced by this project – can be used in a number of system structural analysis activities, including ISM activities.
Project Context
Over the last forty years, the ISM technique has been applied by a large number of individuals on numerous system problems. However, there has not been a standard, open-source code base developed to support the required ISM software. All, or almost all, of the current ISM software tools are tied to older types of computer systems with no ISM software available for a range of modern computer operating systems. The code base produced by the BSMP is viewed as a primary component necessary to support the implementation of modern ISM software systems.
Basic Structural Modeling Publications
BSM has been described in a number of publications including:
• A Unified Systems Engineering Concept, John N. Warfield 1972 • An Assault on Complexity, John N. Warfield 1973 • Structuring Complex Systems, John N. Warfield 1974 • Societal Systems: Planning, Policy and Complexity, John N. Warfield 1976
Basic Structural Modeling Elements
BSM is the foundational mathematical component of structural modeling. Structural modeling is a developing field that uses graphics and systems analysis to structure complex problems and issues. Complex problems and issues span the boundaries of scientific and engineering disciplines creating a need for a carefully defined, documented and standardized set of tools and methods to address complexity. BSM is a key part of this standardized tool kit that focuses on presenting graphs, directed graphs and graphics that carry mathematical and semantic meanings, rather than substantive or empirical discipline-specific information. ISM – another part of this tool kit – focuses on the organization, structuring, and presentation of empirical, substantive knowledge about the area of interest.
BSM elements are grouped into the general area of binary matrices, binary matrix models, directed graphs, directed graph maps and directed graph models. These are the areas that will receive the initial attention in development of the BSM code base.
Basic Structural Modeling Executable Code
Each BSM element will have an executable code module developed to provide the necessary function. Each executable code module will have a specification, executable code, and a set of test data to demonstrate that the code module meets the provided specification. The executable code may be developed in a range of computer languages and tools. All BSM module code will be developed and released under an appropriate, open-source software license.
Basic Structural Model Project Schedule
The BSMP has an official start date on May 1st, 2013. The project development phases will be as follows:
Problem Definition – three to nine month activity – May 2013 to February 2014 The problem definition phase has three, three-month phases. Initial phase: May 2013 to August 2013 Definition phase: August 2013 to November 2013 Final phase: November 2013 to February 2014.
Conceptual Solution Development – three to nine month activity – August 2013 to May 2014 Initial phase: August 2013 to November 2013 Definition phase: November 2013 to February 2014 Final phase: February 2014 to May 2014
Preliminary Code Module Development – three to nine month activity – August 2013 to May 2014 Initial phase: August 2013 to November 2013 Definition phase: November 2013 to February 2014 Final phase: February 2014 to May 2014
BSM Alpha Code Release – January 2014
BSM Beta Code Release – March 2014
BSM Release Candidate One – May 2014 Basic Structural Model Project Organization
The BSMP is organized as an open-source project with a target product consisting of software, documentation, manuals, tutorials and other materials necessary to define, develop and produce an effective open-source BSM tool set. Joseph J. Simpson is the open-source team leader with final decision-making authority associated with all aspects of the project.
The project components may be released under a range of open-source licenses as necessary to meet the project objectives of a freely available, well-defined set of information and executable code that defines, bounds, executes and explains the BSM methods and features. Appendix A - SAGE Support for BSM Functions The SAGE mathematics software system is an integrated, open-source software package that provides central, uniform access to a wide range of computer-based mathematics tools. This environment supports direct access to 21 different mathematical software packages. The BSMP will explore the available functional support for Warfield’s BSM within the SAGE computational engine and the Octave computational engine in the problem definition phase. The current version of the SAGE system is 5.8, with version 5.4 available for use on the web. Notebooks will be developed and distributed to support the BSMP goals and objectives. The current notebook for May 6th, 2013, addresses mathematical operations and functions described in Chapter 8 of Societal Systems: Planning, Policy, and Complexity. Many of the basic features provided by the SAGE and Octave mathematics software directly support these BSM operations. However, the augmented Boolean operators and Boolean inequalities will need to be carefully evaluated. It is possible that these functions may not be required in a computer-based mathematics system.
The current SAGE Notebook is available on the web at: http://www.systemsconcept.org/html/Content/BSM_0.01.sws