31.1 Introduction

Different methodologies and tools are available for the management and analysis of system dependability and safety. In the different phases of a system s lifecycle, some of these methodologies and tools are appropriate, and some are not. The choice is often made by the dependability or safety professional, according to personal experience and knowledge. However, this choice should be influenced by some management philosophy, based on a number of core values. In the literature, core values are sometimes referred to as principles, dimensions, elements, or cornerstones.

The core values constitute a basis for the culture of the organization. They have a great influence on the choice of strategies for accomplishing different kinds of goals, e.g. regarding dependability, safety, and other aspects of customer satisfaction. The strategies will in turn include the use of appropriate methodologies and tools.

In this chapter, a number of core values are discussed and their influence on the choice of methodologies and tools briefly analyzed. The aim is to present one approach to the application of a holistic view to the choice of methodologies and tools in dependability and safety management. Moreover, the aim is to give a conceptual base for the choice of appropriate methodologies and tools. The approach described is very general. The sets of core values, methodologies, and tools presented are by no means complete. They should be regarded as examples only.

The main objective is to make clear the usefulness of clearly expressed core...