The Holy Grail of Time-Certain Development

Abstract

CONCLUSIONS: (1) Time-certain development - as an acquisition strategy - poses very difficult engineering challenges. (Even state-of-the art estimation and engineering approaches could not support successful implementation for large programs.) (2) Accurate size estimation requires the full comprehension of the implementation consequences of "illities." (Such analysis can only be based on a detailed and adequately documented software architecture). (3) The root-cause of the dissatisfaction with the performance of the Acquisition System lies with misstated or misunderstood, unrealistic, and mismanaged expectations. (While improving estimation accuracy is certainly beneficial, further improvement efforts should focus on deeper understanding of engineering practices and the human dimensions of the Acquisition System). (4) Topics for further discussion. (What the proper solution would be to the problems described in the DAPA Report; How to really address the concerns of the combatant commanders).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 16, 2008
Accession Number
ADA484643

Entities

People

  • Peter Hantos

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Acquisition
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Comprehension
  • Engineering
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Software Design

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design