Systems Engineering Celebrates Top Cited Articles 

INCOSE is delighted to celebrate the impactful research published in the Systems Engineering journal (SE Journal) during 2023. Using citation data from Clarivate Analytics, we proudly recognize the authors and their groundbreaking work that has garnered significant attention within the systems engineering community. High citation counts are a strong indicator of the influence and relevance of a publication, demonstrating that the research has resonated with peers, informed subsequent studies, and contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the field. 

This recognition directly supports our vision of being the trusted authority in systems engineering. By generating highly influential research, these authors are contributing to a robust body of knowledge that underpins effective systems development and management, ultimately strengthening the profession as a whole. 

The following are the top 5 most-cited papers published in the SE Journal in 2023: 

1. Vishal Pradhan, Joydip Dhar, Ajay Kumar – “Testing coverage-based software reliability growth model considering uncertainty of operating environment” 

This article proposes two new software reliability growth models based on the generalized inflection S-shaped distribution as a testing coverage function to improve the accuracy of software reliability estimation in both perfect and imperfect debugging environments. 

2. Daniel Dunbar, Thomas Hagedorn, Mark Blackburn, John Dzielski, Steven Hespelt, Benjamin Kruse, Dinesh Verma, Zhongyuan Yu – “Driving digital engineering integration and interoperability through semantic integration of models with ontologies” 

This paper introduces the Digital Engineering Framework for Integration and Interoperability (DEFII), which leverages semantic web technologies to enable data integration and interoperability across diverse engineering tools and models, creating a tool-agnostic authoritative source of truth. 

3. Dana Polojärvi, Erika Palmer, Charlotte Dunford – “A systematic literature review of sociotechnical systems in systems engineering” 

This study presents a systematic literature review of how the term "sociotechnical system" is used within systems engineering literature, revealing a predominantly generic understanding of systems including social and technical elements, with more refined definitions originating from ergonomics/safety and philosophy of engineering perspectives. 

4. Jochen Nuerk, František Dařena – “Activating supply chain business models' value potentials through Systems Engineering” 

This study proposes a systems engineering-driven framework that synthesizes management science concepts, enterprise architecture, and AI-driven business process optimization to enhance innovation productivity and manage the increasing business dynamics of Industry 4.0 within digital supply chains. 

5. João Barata, Jorge C. S. Cardoso, Paulo Rupino Cunha – “Mass customization and mass personalization meet at the crossroads of Industry 4.0: A case of augmented digital engineering” 

This paper explores the potential of a hybrid strategy combining mass customization and mass personalization in a small ceramic producer, using augmented digital engineering to enable customer participation, maintain cost-effectiveness, minimize waste, and balance customer desires with engineering strategy within the context of Industry 4.0. 

We extend our sincere congratulations to these esteemed authors for their significant contributions to the systems engineering body of knowledge. Their dedication to rigorous research and insightful analysis is invaluable to the community and plays a vital role in driving innovation and excellence in the field. We look forward to continuing to publish high-quality, impactful research that advances the theory and practice of systems engineering. 

Members can read the latest SE Journal issue, along with all of the top-cited articles, for free! Visit the SE Journal webpage for more information.