Decision Making in Systems Engineering and Management, 3rd Edition

Chapter 12Solution Implementation

The focus of a project manager during a solution implementation is to do everything possible to ensure the system delivers the value expected, on‐time, and within cost.

—Niki Goerger, U.S. Army Engineering Research & Development Center

12.1 INTRODUCTION

Once a decision occurs, focus adjusts toward implementing the chosen solution design. Simply deciding to implement the selected solution does not equate to solution success in implementation. The engineering manager hopes to encounter “blue skies and smooth sailing” as indicated by a blue color depicted on the systems decision process (SDP) when implementing the solution. Traditional or agile/adaptive project management approaches to solution implementation each remain grounded in delivering business and/or stakeholder value through productive working relationships [1].

Even the best of solution designs, if poorly implemented, can fail to meet the needs of a client. Successfully implementing a solution depends on the emphasis and consideration given to the eventual solution implementation during the three phases that precede it: Problem definition, Solution design, and Decision making. Planning for implementation must begin during Problem definition, continue throughout the design of alternative solutions, and be a consideration in the Decision making phase of the SDP. However, many of the implementation tools in this chapter can also be used to lead interdisciplinary and possibly geographically ...