The Use of Systems Engineering Processes and Tools to Develop a System Dynamic Simulation Model of Engineering Support During the Development Phase of an Acquisition Program

Due to the increase of system complexity and the existing draw down of manpower allocations, today\u27s acquisitions environment desperately needs a systems approach to decision making. Many studies have been performed to model the entire government acquisition environment. Due to the high degree of aggregation, front line decision-makers have had no use for the information these models provide. This research focuses on the Air Force\u27s largest functional support element in aircraft systems development, engineering. I will only consider one phase of the government acquisition cycle the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD). This is the development cycle, which begins with initial contract award (Milestone II), through the production approval (Milestone III). The structure of this model will be a building block to help USAF leadership in the determination of required engineering skill-set and manpower to perform activities which can meet short term requirements while minimizing the intrinsic cost, schedule, and performance risks associated system development. The simulation model will be used by USAF leadership as an alternative decision making tool for manpower allocations for government organic engineering workforce during an eight year development effort. In addition, this study investigates the benefit of using system engineering tools and processes, like Functional Allocation (FAST) and Quality Functional Deployment, to improve the process for generating system dynamics simulation models. For years, the systems engineering field has developed tools to graphically represent complex system structure. Graphical representations allow individuals and teams to visually identify interrelationships and dependencies within a system. Academic research and the successful implementation of these tools within the industrial communities validate the utility of these tools