Talk:Capability (systems engineering)

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Systems

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"Ends" Versus "Ways" and its implications on understanding "Capability"

This article uses at its heart the definition that Capability is the "ability to execute a specified course of action". The focus here being on the way in which something is achieved i.e. the "things" used and the processes that must be executed for a particular course of action. This is not a definition of capability in the UK sense. The UK sees capability as being the ability to achieve a desired end state (effect) and this is separate from the way in which the desired end state is achieved. However the way in which it will be ultimately achieved will always be constrained by morality and international law. It is rare for a desired end state to be only achieved from a single specified course of action, i.e. a single way. Therefore in the UK sense of Capability, a specified Course of action does not belong to the definition of Capability.

A "specified course of action" should also not belong to the systems engineering sense of a definition. If systems engineering takes at its heart a requirements view against end state delivery. Assumptions about how the capability will be delivered from the outset will lead to requirements being focused on a particular technological and operational concept. Thus potentially failing to identify new and innovative approaches to delivering the end state / capability.

I suggest that the definition of Capability should be modified (unless this is a particular country specific definition i.e. US? Then I would recommend a UK page). —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bizzle1234 (talk • contribs) 22:32, 10 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

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