A study of the evolution of the reliability and maintainability engineering disciplines

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to trace and analyze the evolution of Reliability and Maintainability as engineering disciplines. Articles published is the open literature were used as the measurement indicator for developing the growth curves of the various branches within each discipline. The growth curves were analyzed to determine the present emphasis and to project future trends within each discipline. Analyses were conducted to determine the relative contributions made to the growth patterns by private and public organizations such as the Department of Defense, Service Industries, etc. Elements of each discipline which indicate probable future developments have been identified. Where possible, the factors contributing to future growth have also been identified. Taxonomies have been developed which provide a structured classification system for the various elements within each discipline. The authors believe that the taxonomies, in conjunction with the growth curves, present a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the Reliability and Maintainability Disciplines.