A Framework for Implementing Systems Engineering Leading Indicators for Technical Reviews and Audits

This paper proposes a framework for implementing systems engineering measures at technical reviews and audits that expand upon the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) set of systems engineering leading indicators. Premature transition through key decision gates is likely to lead to cost and schedule overruns. Risks to a program can be monitored by measuring key systems engineering measures in the development of products. Decision makers need to assess uncertainty in a program's ability to meet cost, schedule and technical performance requirements at key milestones throughout the systems engineering life cycle. The paper seeks to improve and expand on the existing INCOSE systems engineering leading indicators that are significant predictors of program performance. Correlation between a set of leading indicators and technical reviews to support successful program performance is evaluated. Further research is planned to improve systems engineering by providing examples of performance measurement benchmarks that could aid technical reviews and decision gate analysis.