A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ADVANCED METHODOLOGIES TO IMPROVE THE ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Abstract

This study examines whether five methodologies—balanced scorecard, earned value management, integrated risk management, knowledge value added, and lean six sigma—can support information system (IS) acquisition within the Defense Acquisition System. Each of these five methodologies offers a unique perspective to program managers that could increase their capability to monitor, predict, and adjust programs during the acquisition of IS and information technology intensive systems. The additional information gained from the methodologies could allow program managers to reduce cost and schedule overruns through greater insight into the program’s performance. The research reviews the acquisition lifecycle and provides a detailed review of each approach to determine if the methodology could benefit program managers when acquiring ISs. In addition to the analysis of each technique within the context of the acquisition lifecycle, the research examines cases of the methodologies from an IS perspective. Using the cases as a guide, the thesis examines the benefits and challenges associated with each methodology. The research provides recommendations on which of the methodologies should be included and at which point in the acquisition lifecycle the methodologies should be used.