Managing for Success in Defense Systems Acquisition
Abstract
This study, an offshoot of a DOD cost growth study, was conducted to identify elements common to successful programs, programs that met most of their cost, schedule, and performance goals, and worked well when fielded. Key government and industry officials of twelve successful programs were interviewed to find out how success is measured and what impact various forces had on the success of these systems. The primary measure of success is that the system worked well when fielded. Main elements of a successful program are stability, realistic requirements, good people, good leadership and, particularly, confidence and teamwork between the program office and the contractor. The PM's tenure, pushing the state-of-the-art in technology, and meeting the requirements of regulations and directives have little impact on the success of a program. Outside influences are, on balance, helpful. The people we interviewed enjoyed their jobs and the challenges of program management. One program manager said it was the finest job he ever had - high risk, high rolling. A Navy PM said it was the closest thing ashore to the command of a ship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002789
Entities
People
- Calvin Brown
- J. S. Baumgartner
- Patricia Kelley
Organizations
- Defense Systems Management College