Abstract:
PURPOSE – This research aims to characterise the landscape and factors for successfully
implementing Systems Engineering (SE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
in the enterprise.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – The study investigated the factors across different industries that affect
the success of MBSE in an enterprise using a survey questionnaire. The research focussed
on the uptake and implementation of MBSE in Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in
South Africa. More than 100 industry professionals participated in the study.
FINDINGS – The survey revealed that SMEs have trouble adopting and implementing MBSE
because they are unaware of its applicability and lack economic justification and support from
upper management. Quantitative data analysis assessed how factors such as MBSE training,
existing SE processes in the enterprise, and how long the company has been using MBSE contribute
to the success of MBSE adoption in SMEs.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS – The population size limited the study reached and the time available to
conduct the research. However, it does not reduce the results’ strength and validity.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS – The analysis showed that training and an existing SE structure are
highly significant, while the age of MBSE in the enterprise does not correlate with its success.
Therefore, these results proposed an adoption framework for SMEs in South Africa to aid
MBSE adoption by incorporating training and a clear uptake and implementation process.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This research builds on the growing body of literature about implementing
MBSE and enterprises. The conclusions provide valuable insights and guidelines for implementing
MBSE in SMEs.
