AN ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL IN A COMPLEX LARGE-SCALE ENDEAVOR: THE SAFEGUARD BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM PROGRAM.

摘要

This study examines management control as it was performed in a large-scale complex endeavor. The analysis assesses the application of integrated management control in the Safeguard Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System program. It examines changes both in the management control situation and in the associated managerial response. The technique used for the analysis is the Parameter-Phase-Level (PPL) analysis matrix which is fully developed and defined in the study.;This study concludes that management control should be offensive rather than defensive, should be preventive in preference to curative, and should favor preview before the fact in lieu of review after the fact. It should be equally sensitive to quantitative and qualitative management information, should satisfy management needs, and should enhance the decision-making process. Integrated and proactive tools and techniques are the preferred foundation for management control of large-scale complex endeavors.;The specific objectives of the study are threefold. First, the need for integrated management control in large-scale complex endeavors is addressed. The reality of integrated control as experienced in the Safeguard BMD System program is considered in the same context and so is the relative importance of the three cardinal program parameters of cost, schedule, and technical performance over time. Secondly, having completed the critical examination of the individual cells in the PPL analysis matrix, the matrix is reassembled and refined in a manner dictated by the results of the analysis. This resulted in a reconfiguration of the matrix that differed from the orginal model. Finally, it is proposed that management can and should have a base line for management control that is transferable, adaptive, and dynamic.This objective centers on the interrelationships among the cost, schedule, and technical performance parameters and the compelling need for proactive management control in large-scale complex endeavors.