Note on Evaluation of Hierarchical Modular Systems

This survey note describes a brief systemic view to approaches for evaluation of hierarchical composite (modular) systems. The list of considered issues involves the following: (i) basic assessment scales (quantitative scale, ordinal scale, multicriteria description, two kinds of poset-like scales), (ii) basic types of scale transformations problems, (iii) basic types of scale integration methods. Evaluation of the modular systems is considered as assessment of system components (and their compatibility) and integration of the obtained local estimates into the total system estimate(s). This process is based on the above-mentioned problems (i.e., scale transformation and integration). Illustrations of the assessment problems and evaluation approaches are presented (including numerical examples).