Understanding and Managing Information Flows

Abstract

A key to effective systems engineering is first to understand the flow of information as it evolves thru the product development process, and second, to effectively manage that flow. Managing the information flow in a project context means not only managing the sequence of tasks creating the systems engineering information, but also managing the resources (time and effort) required to produce that information. We have found that by considering information flows in detail we get better task sequence plans. By also considering required resources we get better project management plans. To most effectively produce our systems engineering information we must efficiently follow the better plans that result from considering information flows. This paper will show the value of planning with information flows and then executing with combined information flow and resource management. 1 Senior Director of Technology Development, Qualis Corporation HQ, 689 Discovery Drive, Ste. 400, Huntsville, AL 35806, AIAA Senior Member. 2 Director Vdot Solutions, ESI US R&D, One City Place Dr., Ste. 520, Saint Louis, MO 63141, AIAA Senior Member. AIAA Space 2013 Conference and Exposition Control ID: 1655336 10 – 12 September 2013, San Diego, California 2 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics