Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

A Method For Identification, Representation, And Assessment Of Complex System Pathologies In Acquisition Programs, Charles B. Keating, Polinpapilinho F. Katina, Keith F. Joiner, Joseph M. Bradley, Raed M. Jaradat

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Acquisition programs continue to struggle with increasing complexity. High degrees of emergence, interconnectedness, and uncertainty are the norm rather than exception. The purpose of this research is to explore extension of ongoing research in complex system pathologies for acquisition programs. Significant advances have been made in development of deeper understanding of the nature of pathologies (deviations from healthy system function) and their implications for performance of complex systems. Complex system pathologies represent violations of underlying system principles. These violations negatively affect system governance functions (control, oversight, accountability) resulting in degradation of system performance. Greater understanding of complex system pathologies offers …