The Role of Management in the Development of an Aerospace System

The evolution of general types of multidisciplinary aerospace systems is considered during three phases: Research, Engineering, and Sub-system Integration. Management methods and personnel utilization techniques most applicable during these phases are discussed. This paper is not concerned with management during the operational use of aerospace systems. In this context it does not discuss technical management beyond the early part of the Acquisition Phase as defined in Air Force Regulation No. 375-1. It is indicated that technical management must be considerably limited in degree during the Research Phase where ideas and concepts, based to a large extent on individual talent and inspiration, are of primary importance. Management techniques must be applied with discretion during the Engineering Phase. Here the breadth of technical coverage required for subsystem engineering is such that teams or groups of technical experts provide a useful tool. The talent and initiative of the individual team members is quite important during this phase. Scheduling is also important and cannot be overlooked. A maximum degree of technical management is required during the Subsystem Integration Phase of the over-all system evolution. Here programming or scheduling is of primary importance. Procedures such as PERT are useful management aids and should be applied as much as practicable during this phase.