Knowledge based decision framework for architecting complex systems

The view of architecture, as a set of relevant decisions and corresponding decision based views & decision models, has been well established. However, for complex systems, there may be some uncertainty associated with the ramifications of the decisions as development unfolds. While making a decision using a decision making technique, it might not be easy to fully understand the implications of a specific alternative associated with a decision, due to knowledge gaps. When learning cycles on the decisions taken are experienced, there needs to be means for incorporating the feedback on the alternative chosen once the implication of decision is realized, and that needs to reflect back on the uncertainty associated with the alternative. Also, adequate means to subsequently augment the architectural knowledge base at an organizational level is required. This paper proposes a knowledge based decision framework for architecting complex systems, incorporating uncertainty, knowledge gaps, learning cycle, and feedback loops. The framework enables the progressive maturity of the architectural knowledge base in an organization.

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