| Many systems are designed and developed to provide multiple functions and capabilities. These systems consist of a number of technologies, and deliver functions and capabilities through the interaction between the constituent technologies. How to assess, track and prioritize the maturity progression of the functions and capabilities of a system based on technology and integration knowledge remains a research problem, and this research addresses this problem.;Previous research on maturity assessment has introduced several maturity metrics (e.g., Technology Readiness Level, Integration Readiness Level, System Readiness Level, etc.), which, combined with assessment tools, have enabled systems engineers and managers to quantify and communicate the development maturity of various dimensions of a system. However, none of these metrics has been able to assess the maturity from system function and capability perspectives for the development of multifunction multicapability (MFMC) systems. A MFMC system usually evolves with time from a simple system with fewer functions and capabilities to a more complicated one to provide more functions and capabilities. Managerial focus on functions and capabilities shifts from one development stage to another depending on the development goal of that stage. Therefore, assessing, tracking and advancing the maturity of the functions and capabilities have direct influence on realizing these functions and capabilities, and further affect whether or not a satisfactory system can be delivered as planned.;Based on the previous SRL approach, this research addresses the problem of assessing and advancing MFMC system's maturity with a methodology that contains three sequential steps: (i) defining a system maturity metric that contains the maturity of functions and capabilities; (ii) developing an approach for applying the metric for maturity assessment; and (iii) developing two approaches for advancing function and capability maturity.;The methodology developed by this research facilitates the assessment and advancement of function and capability maturity for MFMC systems development. It enhances the ability of systems engineers and managers to achieve maturity objectives. This research is an integral part of an evolutionary risk management approach---System Eared Readiness Management---that has been under development in the Systems Development and Maturity Laboratory. It adds value to systems lifecycle management. |
