Measuring the Effectiveness of Weapons Systems in Terms of System Attributes.
Abstract
In this thesis the relationship between the characteristics or attributes of a military weapon system (e.g., speed, reliability, survivability) and the effectiveness of that system is thoroughly examined. Success in system acquisition relies on (1) the early identification and successful incorporation of those system attributes that are critical to system effectiveness, and (2) the specification of numerical values for the system attributes (the system requirements) that maximizes system effectiveness at an acceptable cost. New definitions for system, system attributes, and system effectiveness, as well as relevant DoDI 5000.2 guidance are provided. In addition to the currently-mandated battle level at which system effectiveness should be measured (in terms of engagement or battle outcomes), the author uses a wide spectrum of system acquisition-related literature to advocate that system effectiveness should also be measured at the mission level (in terms of mission outcome). Several existing mathematical models which combine a few key system attribute measurements into single-number measures of system effectiveness in accomplishing a particular mission are described. Then, the author proposes a hierarchy or tree which relates many system attributes to the four key attributes, Availability, Reliability, Survivability, and Capability, and hence to system effectiveness in accomplishing a specified mission. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA306129
Entities
People
- Kevin W. Brown
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School