Verification, Validation, and Testing of Engineered Systems

6.2 VVT COST AND RISK MODELING

6.2.1 Canonical VVT Cost Modeling

The CVM paradigm is introduced in order to capture the qualitative and quantitative implications of performing a system’s VVT process. A CVM is a conceptual, almost philosophical entity with unique individual components for each industry, product and sometimes project. This model of the VVT process entails definition of a collection of VVT activities together with their costs and times where each activity is associated with a system’s lifecycle phase.

The VVT activities are linked together defining a sequence of VVT tasks. In order to simplify the problem of modeling the system VVT process, we assume here a sequential process. From a feedback perspective, this model is simplistic, as it assumes a linear progression of the VVT process. Loops and feedbacks are left for future research. A CVM is defined as a complete set of activities and associated costs and time parameters designed to verify, validate and test a system throughout its lifecycle. It is worth noting that the CVM is an idealized concept. It is not likely to be carried out in practical applications in its all-inclusive form, since it would require excessive financial and time resources. Many industrial and governmental organizations perform about 15–25% of CVM and, in special circumstances (e.g., spaced manned missions), perhaps 25–50% of CVM is performed. The intent here is to create a yardstick for evaluating selected (partial) sets of activities with ...