Systems Engineering Glossary

The person or organization authorized to make final decisions on changes to controlled configuration items.

A configuration management decision forum within an organization whose purpose is to disposition and authorize proposed baseline changes.

The identification of individual configuration items that comprise systems/ segments.

A hardware or software item, (or a combination of both) with a defined function that is selected for 

A process for establishing and maintaining consistence of baselines, approving and controlling changes, and recording and reporting changes in status of a product under development.

A documented process for managing a system’s Configuration Items (CI) in a controlled way.

A process for reporting information regarding the status of the established baseline and the proposed/ approved changes to that baseline.

A limitation placed on a system design by law, policy, physics, or other existing systems within which the solution must work.

A diagram that depicts the boundary of an entity and the external entities that influence its behavior.

An iterative, multi-step process to continually identify, define, handle, control, and communicate opportunities/ risks.

A mutually binding legal agreement that obligates the seller to furnish agreed products or services and the Acquirer to pay for them.

An approved list of requirements for a specific procurement that forms a part of a contract delineating deliverable data.  Sometimes referred to as Contract Deliverable Requirements List.

A person or organization that enters into a contract to provide goods or services to an Acquirer.

Documented steps taken to modify designs, processes, procedures, or materials to correct failures or deficiencies.

The activity of resolving and correcting a discrepancy found in an item, restoring it to the specified state.

A technique to determine the advantage of one alternative over another based upon equivalent cost or benefits.  The net result is determined by totaling the positive factors and subtracting negative factors.

A technical review to demonstrate that all detailed designs meet performance, engineering, and interface requirements and are capable of being built.  Designs are finalized at this milestone.  Also referred to as the “Build to Baseline.”

The sequence of project activities which take the longest time to complete and which, when delayed have an impact on the total project schedule.

The organization or individual that provides funding for a product or service.

The engineering process to consider and evaluate the prevention of damage to, protection of, and restoration of electronic systems to ensure availability, integrity, and confidentiality.