Weapon System Software Acquisition and Support: A Theory of System Structure and Behavior.

Abstract

The system for acquiring and supporting weapon system software was investigated through the methodology of system dynamics, a technique for studying the structure of socio-technical systems and how that structure determines their behavior. Conceptual and mathematical models of a generalized software production process and the influences upon that process were developed. The mathematical model was translated into a continuous simulation computer model using the DYNAMO language. These models can be examined by managers at all levels in the acquisition and support process in order to increase their understanding of the complexities and interactions of system decisional structures. Such understanding is foundational to the analysis and formulation of policy to guide and improve the performance of that management system. Discussion of experimental and nonexperimental modes of research lead to recommendations for future experimental research for policy analysis, formulation, and implememtation. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA115555

Entities

People

  • Bradford Douglas Mercer

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

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

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Attrition
  • Business Administration
  • Closed Loop Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Employment
  • Engineers
  • Mathematical Models
  • Organizational Structure
  • Reliability
  • Software Development
  • System Software
  • Systems Management
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.