This program supports fundamental research leading to a theoretical foundation for design and systems engineering. In particular, the Systems Science program seeks intellectual advances in which underlying theories (such as probability theory, decision theory, game theory, organizational sociology, behavioral economics or cognitive psychology) are integrated and abstracted to develop explanatory models for design and systems engineering in a general, domain-independent fashion. Ideally, the explanatory models, derived from the underlying theoretical foundations will lead to testable hypotheses. Based on collected evidence supporting or falsifying the hypotheses, new insights are gained allowing the explanatory models to be refined or updated.
Agency due date: 9/1/17 - 9/15/17
