RePASE - Reflexive process development and adaptation in advanced systems engineering

Initial situation and problem definition

System-oriented and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is becoming increasingly important in the product development of complex technical systems. Companies are faced with the challenge of effectively integrating new methods, processes and tools into existing development environments. At the same time, there is often a lack of structured approaches for reflecting on and continuously adapting these systems in the ongoing development process. The interactions between technical, organizational and personnel factors often remain unconsidered. In order to ensure the effectiveness of new methods and exploit innovation potential, application-oriented strategies for systematic process evaluation, design and skills development are required. This is precisely where the sub-project of the Chair of Integrated Product Development comes in as part of the joint project RePASE.

Project goals

The aim of the sub-project at Clausthal University of Technology is the application-oriented further development and testing of scientifically sound methods for model-based system development, particularly in the areas of system architecture, process structuring and reflection methodology. The approaches developed should enable both generally valid and company-specific solutions. The focus is on three objectives: (1) the sustainable integration and adaptation of MBSE methods in mechanical and plant engineering companies, (2) the enhancement of methodological skills among students and development engineers and (3) proof of practical applicability through pilot projects. The results are documented in the form of best practices, guidelines and modular training concepts and transferred to university teaching.

Solution approach

The project pursues a holistic approach based on systems theory to anchor structured reflection in system-oriented and model-based product development. Reflection at a strategic, tactical and operational level serves as a starting point for the targeted further development of methods, processes and skills. In interdisciplinary cooperation, concepts for process structuring, system architecture development, competence development and the visualization of interdependencies are developed and tested. The central aim is to integrate these concepts into the real development processes of industrial partners - tailored to specific requirements and framework conditions. Existing models from systems engineering, work and organizational psychology and learning theory form the basis. The reflection methods are designed in such a way that different stakeholders and context factors are taken into account. In a structured approach, fields of action such as processes, tools, organization and competencies are jointly addressed in order to initiate effective change processes and ensure the long-term acceptance of new methods.

Funding reference

This research and development project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the program "Future of Value Creation - Research on Production, Services and Work" (funding code 02J19B140) and supervised by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA).