The In-House Management Approach: An Analysis of the Subsonic Cruise Armed Decoy Program
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to examine the management approach utilized by the Subsonic Cruise Armed Decoy (SCAD) Program Office. The reason for such a study is to aid future program managers in adopting their management arrangements. System integration and who accomplishes it is the key to the in- house approach. System integration is performed whenever system engineering is applied and technical direction is given. If the Air Force program office acts as the system integrator, then the management approach is termed in-house. The program office contracted for, managed the development of, and was responsible for the integration of all major subsystems. Multiple contracts were used and an associate contractor arrangement employed. Many innovative management techniques were utilized and several strengths were observed during SCAD's development. Chief among the strengths were the more direct involvement of Air Force personnel in the decision making process and the associated visibility into problem areas. The primary weaknesses of the approach included the lack of qualified personnel to do the integration task and the adoption of a program office organizational structure which was not conductive to system integration. It is concluded that the in-house approach to weapon system acquisition does have merit and should be considered as a viable program management option. For the approach to be effectively used the program office must be adequately staffed with qualified people and organized in such a way as to promote total system integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA067250
Entities
People
- Robert W. Buckner
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology