Enterprise Dynamics: Architecture-Based, Decision-Driven Approach A Collaborative MITRE-MIT Research Project

Abstract

This paper presents a summary discussion of the origins, evolution, and major results of the MITRE-MIT collaborative research project concentrating on the structure, dynamics, and computational modeling of complex modern enterprises. The project was initiated on October 1, 2006. The MITRE Principal Investigator for the project was Dr. Kenneth Hoffman. The MIT Principal Investigator was Dr. Kirkor Bozdogan, with Prof. Joseph Sussman serving as the MIT Co-Principal Investigator. The purpose of the project was to develop concepts, models and tools for managing enterprise complexity and dynamics in an emerging network-centric age. More specifically, the project focused on computational enterprise modeling and simulation for designing and evolving “next generation” enterprises that are flexible, adaptive and robust (FAR). The project stressed the development of a “proof-of-concept” enterprise modeling and simulation capability, to contribute towards the creation of complex enterprise systems architecting and engineering as a new field of inquiry and practice. Overall, the project has provided substantial mutual benefits to both MIT and MITRE.