Front-end Operational Concepts - Starting from the Top

摘要

This paper addresses the need for, use and development of operational concepts at the start of large projects. It is derived in part from the author's work in INCOSE's Requirements Working Group and acquisition reform in the Australian Department of Defence, but also from the author's experience in developing operational concepts for defence projects. The front-end operational concept, derived in consultation with the system's potential users and other stakeholders, should serve as the driving document for the acquisition and supply of the system. However, there is often uncertainty about what such a document should contain, how it should be developed, and its relationship to other project documents. The paper addresses these issues, as well as the evolution of the Operational Concept throughout the life of the project.