Management Cybernetics: An Application to the Development of a Conceptual Model of the Software Acquisition Management Discipline.

Abstract

The underlying thesis of this research is that the management cybernetics paradigm, developed by Stafford Beer, can be applied to Software Acquisition Management. The authors studied the current software acquisition process, how it is employed and controlled, and the current problem areas, and then developed a conceptual model that is capable of improving the process through the application of management cybernetic principles. The conclusions of this research are that a viable Software Acquisition Management Discipline is needed to gain control of acquisition costs, schedules and specification attainment. The conceptual model presented, applying management cybernetics, provides the manager with a systems view of what factors are affecting the acquisition process and how these factors are interrelated. This conceptual model, useful today, provides the framework for developing an effective management information system through the use of a computerized management control model that will enhance the manager's ability to effectively control the Software Acquisition Process. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA076946

Entities

People

  • Marcus L. Sherrill
  • Richard E. Peschke

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Brain
  • Business Administration
  • Central Processing Units
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Management Personnel
  • Mathematical Models
  • Medical Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Software Development
  • System Software
  • Systems Science
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • United States

Readers

  • Software Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.