Model-based Systems Engineering Fundamentals

This module introduces learners to the foundational concepts of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Object-Process Methodology (OPM). Students will explore how MBSE uses conceptual models for communication between system architects, designers, developers, and stakeholders, and understand the basic principles of OPM as an ISO-standardized methodology for constructing domain-independent conceptual models.

This module focuses on the core building blocks of Object-Process Methodology. Learners will understand how objects represent structural elements, processes represent functional transformations, and states represent different conditions of objects within a system model.

This module covers the various types of relationships that can exist between objects and processes in OPM models. Students will learn how to identify and represent different connection types that link the structural and procedural elements of a system.

This module explores how processes can create new objects or consume existing ones within a system model. Learners will understand the lifecycle of objects and how procedural transformations affect structural elements in OPM.

This module teaches learners how objects change from one state to another through processes. Students will model state transitions and understand how these represent the dynamic behavior of system components over time.

This module provides a comprehensive view of the three fundamental aspects of any system model. Learners will understand how function (what the system does), structure (what the system consists of), and behavior (how the system operates over time) are represented and integrated in OPM.

This module introduces the textual counterpart to OPM's graphical diagrams. Students will learn how every OPM model has both a graphical representation (Object-Process Diagram) and a verbal representation (Object-Process Language), enabling dual-mode expression of system models.

This module focuses on the top-level diagram that represents the entire system. Learners will understand how to construct and interpret the System Diagram as the highest-level view of an OPM model.

This module teaches learners to identify and model the fundamental purpose of a system, who benefits from it, and what benefit is provided. Students will learn to articulate the value proposition of a system through OPM modeling.

This module explores how to identify and model the primary function of a system through its main process and the operand it transforms. Learners will understand how to represent the core transformation that a system performs.

This module covers the resources required for processes to execute. Students will learn to distinguish between agents (entities that execute processes) and instruments (tools or resources used by processes) and how to model them in OPM.

This module teaches learners how to define what is inside versus outside a system. Students will understand how to establish system boundaries and model environmental factors that interact with the system.

This module addresses how to identify and model problems or issues that arise within systems. Learners will develop skills in recognizing problem patterns and representing them systematically in OPM models.

This module introduces the concept of hierarchical refinement in OPM as a complexity management technique. Students will understand why systems require multiple levels of detail and how refinement enables comprehensive yet manageable modeling.

This module focuses on a specific refinement technique for processes that occur simultaneously. Learners will master in-zooming as a method to reveal internal details of synchronous processes while maintaining model coherence.

This module covers fundamental principles for ensuring model consistency and accuracy. Students will learn rules for creating unique links and representing facts correctly within OPM models.

This module teaches the unfolding technique for refining processes that occur at different times. Learners will understand how to reveal temporal sequences and asynchronous behaviors through this specialized refinement method.

This module explores how to refine structural elements through View Diagrams. Students will learn to create detailed views of objects, showing their internal composition and relationships while managing model complexity.

This module covers the advanced concept of mutual feature relationships in OPM. Learners will understand how objects can be features of processes and vice versa, enabling sophisticated system representations.

This module focuses on constructing the System Diagram as the highest-level Object-Process Diagram. Students will learn conventions and best practices for creating effective top-level system representations.

This module teaches learners how to create the first refinement level below the System Diagram. Students will understand how to decompose the top-level view into appropriate first-level details while maintaining consistency and coherence.