Application of Systems Analysis in the U.S. Department of Defense

Abstract

The use of systems analysis has expanded since its invention some 50 years ago to include not only the DoD but all U.S. Federal Agencies. Although it can be a powerful analytical technique, systems analysis took off so fast that necessary building blocks for its successful use were not yet in place. Because users of the technique lacked necessary knowledge and experience, some early systems analyses resulted in faulty decisions that angered the U.S. Congress and embarrassed the DoD. The use of systems analysis was abruptly curtailed by the DoD until needed building blocks were put into place. A strengthened process reemerged that is being applied today. Lessons from U.S. experience with systems analysis can be useful to others interested in using the technique.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA364542

Entities

People

  • Stephen J. Balut

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Budgets
  • Congress
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Cost Estimates
  • Cost Overruns
  • Department Of Defense
  • Economic Analysis
  • Financial Management
  • Governments
  • Military Budgets
  • National Security
  • Operations Research
  • Procurement
  • Systems Analysis
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Systems Analysis and Design