a framework for developing conceptual models of the mission space ...

developer organizations. Figure 5 shows the top level view of this FEDEP process flow which
includes seven steps. Among these, the second step entitled “Perform Conceptual Analysis” is
within the scope of this thesis and therefore it will be explained in detail. The other steps are
briefly explained and provided only to depict a complete view.
Figure 5: FEDEP High Level Process Flow
Step 1 – Define federation objectives: The federation user, the sponsor, and the federation
development team define and agree on a set of objectives and document what must be
accomplished to achieve those objectives. This step includes two key activities; a) identify
user/sponsor needs and b) develop objectives. The aim of the first activity is to develop a clear
understanding of the problem to be addressed by the federation; therefore it is very essential for
developing a valid conceptual model. This understanding is generally recorded as a “statement of
needs” document which may vary widely in terms of scope and degree of formalization. Despite
this variance, it is generally accepted that this document should at a minimum include; high-level
descriptions of critical systems of interest, expectations about required fidelity and required
behaviors for simulated entities, key events that must be represented in the federation scenario and
output data requirements. In addition, the needs statement should indicate the constraints related
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