Overview
This paper examines how Mission Engineering can be used to inform decision-makers attempting to deliver the most capability with the minimum amount of infrastructure. Where projects are delivered across migration stages, this paper explores how Mission Engineering and Systems Integration allow operators to map the staged capability uplift across multiple migration stages and manage the transient risk profiles across a suite of temporary configuration states.
Context
Decision-makers face the challenge of maintaining or growing capability amid decreasing budgets, rapidly changing operational environments, and phased delivery of complex systems. In situations where decisions can mean significant operational limitations, identifying the impact on mission and capability empowers decision-makers to focus on best-for-project outcomes .
Purpose
This paper describes using Mission Engineering and Systems Integration methodologies to enable operators to make informed investment decisions to deliver the “Minimum Viable Capability” in the face of time, cost, and availability constraints. By understanding the relationship from capabilities to the people, process, technology, and associated risks, a delivery authority can manage project change and assess the consequences of changes in terms of capability rather than just in terms of time and cost.
Approach
Building on existing Systems Engineering frameworks used on complex projects in highly regulated industries, the view is expanded to include the lens of capability. A framework is provided that links existing artefacts (hazards, operational scenarios, test cases, GSN goals) to the mission. By viewing technical integration and operational readiness through the lens of missions and capabilities it enables delivery authorities to place complex systems into service effectively.
Insights
Projects / technology suppliers speak in terms of system functions, whilst operators speak in terms of operational capability. Establishing a framework that enables both parties to speak a common language aids collaboration and provides a common basis for making decisions.