A THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE CONCEPT OF EFFECTIVENESS
Abstract
This thesis offers, to those concerned with analysis of modern weapons systems, a general methodology for devising appropriate and meaningful measures of effectiveness. This methodology does not include a specific model for 'plugging in' system parameters and mechanically 'grinding out' system effectiveness. It is intended only as a general 'plan' through which the researcher can channel his own judgment and experience. The primary purpose of this plan is to guide the researcher through a logical transition from a purely subjective, and more or less vague, concept of effectiveness to a useable and more explicit formulation. Effectiveness is modeled as that single system characteristic positioned at the apex of a characteristic 'pyramid'. This pyramid is constructed with 'layers' of progressively fewer and more subjective characteristics. Mathematical properties of measurements appropriate to these characteristics are discussed as a function of the intended use of the effectiveness measurement. The type of measurement required to meet an analysis objective is dependent on the objective function or optimization criteria chosen. Because of this fact, the types of measurements have been classified into four scales and each scale related to a particular type of objective function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0807386
Entities
People
- William L. Harrison Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School