ABSTRACT
In previous chapters we described mega-systems and highlighted some of their salient characteristics. We also proposed a simple framework that differentiates them from traditional, well-bounded systems. For several reasons, including their sheer scale, the nature and pace of change of their underlying technologies, the potential complexity of their interactions, and-perhaps most importantly-the fact that it is rarely a single organization that owns and therefore completely controls the mega-system, engineering these mega-systems entails new challenges. This chapter discusses the difficulties and drawbacks of applying traditional systems engineering processes and practices to the engineering of these massively interconnected, information technology-intensive mega-systems.
