System Architecture is organized in four Parts:

Part 1: Introduction to System Thinking (Chapters 1-3) introduces the principles of systems thinking, then outlines the tools for managing complexity.
Part 2: Analysis of System Architecture (Chapters 4-8) is focused on the analysis of architecture. We provide an in depth exploration of form in an effort to separate it from function, and then we deconstruct function.
Part 3: Creating System Architecture (Chapters 9-13) is focused on the creation of architecture through decision making. It works through the forward process of identifying needs through to choosing an architecture.
Part 4: System Architecture as Decisions (Chapters 14-16), explores the potential of a variety of computational methods and tools to help the architect reason through decisions.

Part 1: System Thinking

1. Introduction to System Architecture

Architecture of Complex Systems
The Advantages of Good Architecture
Learning Objectives
Organization of the Text

2. System Thinking

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Systems and Emergence
2.3 Task 1: Identify the System, Its Form, and Its Function
2.4 Task 2: Identify Entities of a System, Their Form, and Their Function
2.5 Task 3: Identify the Relationships among the Entities
2.6 Task 4: Emergence
2.7 Summary

3. Thinking about Complex Systems

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Complexity in Systems
3.3 Decomposition of Systems
3.4 Special Logical Relationships
3.5 Reasoning through Complex Systems
3.6 Architecture Representation Tools: SysML and OPM
3.7 Summary

Part 2: System Thinking

4. Form

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Form in Architecture
4.3 Analysis of Form in Architecture
4.4 Analysis of Formal Relationships in Architecture
4.5 Formal Context
4.6 Form in Software Systems
4.7 Summary

5. Function

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Function in Architecture
5.3 Analysis of External Function and Value
5.4 Analysis of Internal Function
5.5 Analysis of Functional Interactions and Functional Architecture
5.6 Secondary Value-Related External and Internal Functions
5.7 Summary

6. System Architecture

6.1 Introduction
6.2 System Architecture: Form and Function
6.3 Non-idealities, Supporting Layers, and Interfaces in System Architecture
6.4 Operational Behavior
6.5 Reasoning about Architecture Using Representations
6.6 Summary

7. Solution-Neutral Function and Concepts

7.1 Introduction
7.2 Identifying the Solution-Neutral Function
7.3 Concept
7.4 Integrated Concepts
7.5 Concepts of Operations and Services
7.6 Summary

8. From Concept to Architecture

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Developing the Level 1 Architecture
8.3 Developing the Level 2 Architecture
8.4 Home Data Network Architecture at Level
8.5 Modularizing the System at Level
8.6 Summary

Part 3: Creating System Architecture

9. The Role of the Architect

9.1 Introduction
9.2 Ambiguity and the Role of the Architect
9.3 The Product Development Process
9.4 Summary

10. Upstream and Downstream Influences on System Architecture

10.1 Introduction
10.2 Upstream Influence: Corporate Strategy
10.3 Upstream Influence: Marketing
10.4 Upstream Influence: Regulation and Pseudo-Regulatory Influences
10.5 Upstream Influence: Technology Infusion
10.6 Downstream Influence: Implementation—Coding, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Management
10.7 Downstream Influence: Operations
10.8 Downstream Influence: Design for X
10.9 Downstream Influence: Product and System Evolution, and Product Families
10.10 The Product Case: Architecture Business Case Decision (ABCD)
10.11 Summary

11. Translating Needs into Goals

11.1 Introduction
11.2 Identifying Beneficiaries and Stakeholders
11.3 Characterizing Needs
11.4 Interpreting Needs as Goals
11.5 Prioritizing Goals
11.6 Summary

12. Applying Creativity to Generating a Concept

12.1 Introduction
12.2 Applying Creativity to Concept
12.3 Develop the Concepts
12.4 Expand the Concepts and Develop the Concept Fragments
12.5 Evolve and Refine the Integrated Concepts
12.6 Select a Few Integrated Concepts for Further Development
12.7 Summary

13. Decomposition as a Tool for Managing Complexity

13.1 Introduction
13.2 Understanding Complexity
13.3 Managing Complexity
13.4 Summary

Part 4: Architecture as Decisions

14. System Architecture as a Decision-Making Process

14.1 Introduction
14.2 Formulating the Apollo Architecture Decision Problem
14.3 Decisions and Decision Support
14.4 Four Main Tasks of Decision Support Systems
14.5 Basic Decision Support Tools
14.6 Decision Support for System Architecture
14.7 Summary

15. Reasoning about Architectural Tradespaces

15.1 Introduction
15.2 Tradespace Basics
15.3 The Pareto Frontier
15.4 Structure of the Tradespace
15.5 Sensitivity Analysis
15.6 Organizing Architectural Decisions
15.7 Summary

16. Formulating and Solving System Architecture Optimization Problems

16.1 Introduction
16.2 Formulating a System Architecture Optimization Problem
16.3 NEOSS Example: An Earth Observing Satellite System for NASA
16.4 Patterns in System Architecting Decisions
16.5 Formulating a Large-scale System Architecture Problem
16.6 Solving System Architecture Optimization Problems
16.7 Summary