A term used by COCOMO to describe a project development thAT is characterised by tight, inflexible constraints and interface requirements. The product must operATe within (is embedded in) a strongly coupled complex of hardware, software, regulATions and operATional procedures. An embedded mode project will require a greAT deal of innovATion. An example would be a real-time system with timing constraints and customised hardware. (1996-05-29)