Systematic measurements: At the interface between information and systems management, systems engineering, and operations research

One major objective of systems management, at all levels of the organization, is to obtain information necessary to organize and direct individual programs associated with the production of products and services. These products and services result from the use of systems engineering process lifecycles that are associated with: research, development, test and evaluation; systems acquisition, production procurement, or manufacturing; and systems planning and marketing. This information can only be obtained through an appropriate program of systematic measurements and the development of appropriate models for use in processing this information. We discuss frameworks for measurements at the level of product, process, and systems management of process and product. Associated with each of these levels are a variety of methods of systems analysis and operations research, and metrics. There is not an abrupt transition from activity at one level to activity at another, nor should there be. Measurements are needed at each of these levels. In this overview paper, we discuss approaches and frameworks for measurements and models that support organizational success through effective use of innovations brought about in information technology, systems engineering and management, and operations research.