Modeling as a tool in defense aerospace software project management

his research examines the use of models as tools in software project management within the high technology defense aerospace environment. These projects are distinguished by large size, involving hundreds of software professionals; costing hundreds of millions of dollars; using high risk emerging technology, and often, in weapons, space, or intelligence systems, life or death consequences hanging on product quality.;This research addresses model use by managers in defense aerospace software projects, whether consistent predictors of project failure or success can be identified, and what defense aerospace software project managers need to know for success.;This research includes analysis of three case studies of software projects plus a questionnaire answered by 107 defense aerospace software professionals from all levels of project and functional management. Conclusions of the research include: (A) Software professionals, through selection, are initially detail workers and learn management only after gaining experience and learning to delegate. (B) Observable parameters exist which may forecast success or failure of software projects. Success parameters remain more stable than the failure parameters, which become obsolete as we learn to avoid them. Key success parameters are: (1) Clear requirements; (2) Excellent project leadership; (3) Customer-contractor rapport, trust, and candor; (4) Committed project participants; (5) Realistic schedule and budget Present failure parameters are: (1) Failure to meet customer needs; (2) Lack of skilled people; (3) Unwillingness to listen to customer; (4) Inadequate supervision; (5) Gamesmanship; lack of teamwork (C) Use of models and tools relates directly to software project manager experience levels; the types of models used do not correlate with the backgrounds of software project managers. (D) A new descriptive model of software project management to meet the new post Cold War defense aerospace environment.;Generalizations apply to other types of projects such as large interdisciplinary projects and projects developing complex, one-of-a-kind products.;Software is important because it consumes...