A Redesign Decision Model for Large-Scale Complex Sustainment-Dominated Systems

This article presents a fuzzy, multiattribute decision-making method to assist managers in making more informed technology refresh planning decisions; especially when evaluating large-scale complex sustainment-dominated systems. These types of systems have inherently long operational lives, thereby incurring multiple technology design refreshes throughout their extensive lifecycles. Strategically planning for these technology refreshes presents a significant engineering, business, and logistical challenge. Existing refresh planning models are limited as they do not consider a systems’ view when forming recommendations, which can lead to suboptimal decisions. The mathematical models developed in this article are the foundation of the fuzzy, multiattribute decision-making method that allows engineering managers to use a systems’ thinking approach to evaluate competing technology refresh options. When applied to multidisciplinary projects, the fuzzy, multiattribute decision-making method evaluates several competing and complementary redesign drivers, leading to more informed systems refresh recommendations.