Managing the development of an experimental computer-aided technology planning system (PLANET)

This paper describes the evolution of an experimental computer-aided technology planning tool (PLANET) for integrating technology plans and evaluating potential resource allocations to mission-oriented technology programs. Its objectives include improvement of manual planning with a computer-aided model, speedier and more consistent response to queries (“What if?”), assessment of impact of proposed program changes, introduction of explicit subjective judgment, and improved visibility into the planning process. The management environment is that of a planning staff in a HQ program office (the Office of Advanced Research and Technology) in a government R&D agency (NASA). Contractor assistance in PLANET system development was provided. PLANET development consisted of a study and implementation phase and included formulation of an objective function; development of a mission-oriented easily accessed data base; definition of options to be examined; development of relationships between future candidate missions, allied technologies, and project plans; generation of quantitative subjective value inputs; application of algorithms (branch and backtrack for optimal project selection and network flow for feasible solutions under annual resource constraints); software development including output formats and utility programs; and PLANET system testing. Factors influencing the development of this experimental planning system are discussed. Based on this experience, summary observations are presented including guidelines, evaluation criteria, and problems encountered.