Policy and Complex Systems
�� Operational independence of the systems : Each system within a systems-of-systems has a “ life of its own ” and can function effectively and provide useful service without necessarily interacting with other policies .
�� Managerial independence of the systems : The individual policies within a systems-of-systems are under different authorities .
�� Evolutionary development : The different policies within the systems-of-systems are developed and upgraded on uncoordinated schedules .
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�� change may need to be made in component policies to enable them to effectively operate as a component in a policy systems-of-systems ; and establish a capability for policy systems-of-systems rapid fielding and emergence . The traditional enterprise capability is based on a sequential model that is not suited to today ’ s emergent world or complex systems-of-systems . Process Governance , WAVE Planning , and Stewardship provide the rapid and agile capabilities required for managing complex policy systems-of-systems .
Not all systems-of-systems will exhibit all of these characteristics , but it is generally assumed that a systems-of-systems is characterized by these . Although the individual systems within a systems-of-systems are usually considered to have independent operational viability , it is sometimes the case that the systems-of-systems must contain some systems the only purpose of which is to enable the inter-operation of the other component systems . That is , these enabling systems cannot operate outside of the systems-of-systems .
The key aspects for structuring of a systems-of-systems for complex policies are :
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�� establish an umbrella enabling system that supports the inter-operation of the component legacy policies ; establish process governance to plan and coordinate inter-operability and emergent change across the systems-of-systems component policies and systems ; establish a shell structure to enable a ‘ Plug and Play ” approach where component policies can be removed , changed , or added ; include legacy policies and new policy components ;
Types of Policy systems-of-systems
Policy systems-of-systems can take one of the following four forms 9 :
�� Directed : Directed policy systems-of-systems are those in which the systems-of-systems is created and managed to fulfill specific policy goals , and the constituent policies are subordinated to the policy systems-of-systems . The component policies maintain an ability to operate independently , but their normal operational mode is subordinated to the centrally managed policy systems-of-systems goals .
�� Acknowledged : Acknowledged policy systems-of-systems have recognized goals , a designated policyowner , and dedicated resources for the policy systems-of-systems ; however , the constituent policies retain their independent ownership , objectives , funding , and development and sustainment approaches . Changes in the policy systems-of-systems are based on cooperative agreements between the policy systems-of-systems owner and the component policyowners .
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