The DOD Architecture Framework (DODAF) provides an underlying structure to work with complexity. Today’s systems do not stand alone; each system fits within an increasingly complex system-of-systems, a network of interconnection that virtually guarantees surprise behavior. Systems science recognizes this type of interconnectivity as one essence of complexity. It requires new tools, new methods, and new paradigms for effective system design.

This 3-day course provides knowledge and exercises at a practical level in the use of the DODAF. You will learn about architecting processes, methods and thought patterns. You will practice architecting by creating DODAF representations of a familiar, complex system-of-systems. By the end of this course, you will be able to use DODAF effectively in your work to assist your system architecting.

Practice architecting on a creative “Mars Rotor” complex system. Define the operations, technical structure, and migration for this future space program.

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Attend this course if you are:

• A key member of a system or system-of-systems development team
• Concerned about how your system product fits into the larger context
• Looking for practical methods to use
  

The course is aimed at

• Systems engineers
• Technical team leaders
• Program or project managers
• Others who participate in defining and developing complex systems.

Architectures and Architecting – Understanding of the components of an architecture. Origin of the terms within systems development. Understanding of the components of an architecture. Architecting key activities. Foundations of modern architecting.

DODAF Overview – Methods to convey architectures. Overview of different architecture frameworks (TOGAF, FEAF, Zachman, etc.) Why frameworks exist, and what they hope to provide. DOD Architecture Framework (DODAF) basic concepts: Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) and the DoDAF Meta-Model (DM2). Hierarchies of architectures. Viewpoints within DoDAF (All, Capability, Data/Information, Operational, Project, Services, Standards, Systems). How Viewpoints support models. Diagram types (views) within each viewpoint. DoDAF architecting methods.

DODAF Operational Viewpoint – Describing an operational environment, and then modifying it to incorporate new capabilities. Sequences of creation. How to convert concepts into DODAF views. Introduction and practical exercises on each DODAF OV product, with review and critique. Teaching method includes three passes for each product: (a) describing the views, (b) instructor-led exercise, (c) group work to create views.

DODAF Services and Systems Viewpoints – Converting the operational views into service-oriented technical architecture, while matching the new architecture with legacy systems. Sequences of creation. Linkages between the technical views and the operational views. Introduction and practical exercises on each DODAF SvcV and SV product, with review and critique, again using the three-pass method.

DODAF Migration Definition Processes – How to depict the migration of current systems into future systems while maintaining operability at each step. Practical exercises on migration planning using related CV, SvcV, SV, and OV products.

DODAF Capability, Project, Data and Information Viewpoints – Definition of the largest systems-of-systems through examination of top-level capabilities. Definition of project plans and how they support migration of the architecture. The underlying data and information products of the DM2. Introduction and practical exercises on each DoDAF CV, PV, and DIV product.

Continuing Education: This course qualifies for 1.4 CEUs or 14 PDUs