Abstract: A model-based systems engineering tool that determines an impact analysis of a change upon a system model includes a relations database storing a framework describing pre-established relationships between a plurality of elements that are part of the system model. The pre-established relationships are determined based on a model-based systems engineering architecture. The model-based systems engineering tool includes one or more processors in electronic communication with the relations database and a memory coupled to the processors. The memory stores data into one or more databases and program code that causes the model-based systems engineering tool to receive an indication to change a root element, wherein the root element is one of the plurality of elements that are part of the system model. In response to receiving the indication to change the root element, the model-based systems engineering tool determines a first level of elements of the system model.