The process of repeated interactions of processes at successive levels in the hierarchy is best described by recursion. Recursion involves defining a function or process in terms of itself at a different level, allowing for a systematic approach to solve problems that can be broken down into smaller, similar subproblems. This concept is prevalent in systems engineering, where complex systems can often be approached through recursive methods, allowing for repeated refinement or evaluation of each level within a hierarchical structure.
By employing recursion, the behavior or parameters of processes at one level can influence and interact with those at subsequent levels. This self-referential approach is crucial for understanding complex systems and enables engineers to create more adaptive and robust solutions.
In contrast, iteration refers to the process of repeating a set of operations, but does not necessarily imply that these operations occur across different hierarchical levels in the same way. Modification involves changing elements within a system, while decomposition focuses on breaking a system down into smaller parts but does not inherently involve repeated interactions like recursion does.