An Analysis of Success in Systems Program Management.
Abstract
This study investigated the definition of, and causes for, success in United States Air Force system program management. The major activities were to: (1) construct a classification of success criteria; (2) identify the most successful Air Force system programs in the period 1965-1980; and (3) suggest the important reasons for system program management success. Data was gathered through: (1) a survey questionnaire sent to current and former senior Air Force and Office of the Secretary of Defense personnel; search of official historical and congressional records; and (3) a review of published and unpublished literature. The study concluded that system program management success generally is defined more in terms of how well the deployed system performs than how close the program cost, schedule, and performance requirements were met. Likewise, the leading causes for success tend to be expressed by factors such as (1) user understanding of the system's military utility and (2) how well the system actually worked. The report suggests that a program manager, to be successful, must above all else be able to thoroughly articulate the system's end use; with this understanding, programmatic structure and decisions can be properly defined and defended through every level of the acquisition organization. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA099041
Entities
People
- Frederick B. Wynn