How does one Model Appropriately in Systems Engineering? An Initial Conceptual Model Framing Model Appropriateness

Appropriateness of models through modelling languages, tools, and methods is at the core of systems modelling. A concrete example is that useful abstraction depends on the contextual case of modelling purpose and need. Naturally, this results in different modelling formalisms and languages being appropriate at different stages of a common development process and for different stakeholders. In Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) many stakeholders are involved in procedural modelling activities. Consequently, there is a need to identify appropriate modelling approaches at each modelling activity and development stage. Current MBSE adoption and application is still in early stages, and consequently lacking in overall modelling contextualisation. In this paper we discuss what facilitates an appropriate systems engineering model and how practitioners can reason about models in industrial contexts by providing an initial conceptual model of how model artefacts support governing systems engineering concerns.