Software Engineering

 Software engineering integrated product team (preliminary 
architecture definition stage)
1. 
Refine the operational model.
 The software engineering integrated product team 
(SWE-IPT) should analyze each of the top-level functional components derived 
from the operational model to determine how to break down functional com-
plexity. The behavior of complex functional components should be analyzed to 
provide more insight into the software functional behaviors that must be formu-
lated to support the operational process. Functional behavior models should be 
prepared to facilitate functional analysis of complex functions. Derived func-
tions should be identified that are necessary to enable a functional component to 
behave properly and to detect and respond to failure conditions.
2. 
Refine the functional hierarchy.
 The SWE-IPT should conduct functional analy-
sis to decompose functional components to establish a more detailed functional 
hierarchy. Functional components should be decomposed into functional sub-
components until functional units are recognized. Functional decomposition 
alternatives should be evaluated and trade studies conducted to determine the 
performance, interfaces, and risks associated with each alternative. The pre-
ferred functional solution should be integrated into the functional hierarchy and 
reflected in the other artifacts of the functional architecture.
3. 
Synthesize conceptual configuration alternatives.
 The SWE-IPT should con-
duct software design synthesis to identify top-level conceptual components. 
Conceptual configuration alternatives should be identified and evaluated to nar-
row the solution space to one or more practical alternatives.
4. 
Analyze functional alternatives, conflicts, and trade-offs.
 The SWE-IPT should 
evaluate identified functional decomposition, grouping, and allocation alterna-
tives to determine the best solution set. The risks associated with each alter-
native should be identified and assessed to distinguish architectural design 
schemes that eliminate, avoid, or reduce risks to an acceptable level. The pre-
ferred solution, in terms of a coherent set of functional behaviors and decompo-
sition, should be selected that provides the best performance, satisfaction of 

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