Towards Formalising Stakeholder Context using SysML v2

TL;DR

This paper introduces a framework combining SSM and SysML v2 to formalize stakeholder context in system architecture, demonstrated through a case study, aiming to improve precision and reduce misinterpretation.

Contribution

It proposes a novel methodology integrating SSM with SysML v2 and KerML for formal stakeholder context modeling in system architecture.

Findings

Framework successfully maps stakeholder concerns to SysML v2 concepts.

Application through a case study demonstrates traceability from stakeholder context to architecture.

Enhanced semantic precision aims to reduce misinterpretation risks.

Abstract

This paper presents a framework to bridge the gap between subjective stakeholder context and formal system architecture. This is achieved using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Systems Modelling Language version 2 (SysML v2). The methodology utilises the precision of Kernel Modelling Language (KerML) and the alignment of SysML v2 with ISO 42010 to define a reference architecture for the mapping of SSM outputs to SysML v2 concepts such as stakeholders and concerns. Application of the framework is demonstrated through the use of a case study, highlighting the traceable path from stakeholder context to system architecture. The structured mapping and increased semantic precision of SysML v2 are anticipated to reduce the risk of misinterpretation compared to less formal approaches, though empirical validation across diverse stakeholder contexts remains as future work. The primary identified trade-off is the increased barrier to entry associated with SysML v2's textual notation.