System Evaluation

Instructor

Charles Owen

Introduces means for evaluating complex systems. Methods are introduced for describing systems generally in terms of (1) the policy requirements they should follow, (2) the functions they should perform, and (3) the particular forms they have assumed as instantiations of the models. Techniques for evaluating individual system performance against these requirement models are presented along with means for aggregating numeric assessments into indices measuring performance at all levels within the hierarchical models. Four hierarchies of "merit indices" are possible: two for a system's performance against functions and policy; one for how well policy requirements are met by the system, and one for how well functions are performed by the system. The course material is applicable both to Structured Planning and to independent system evaluation.

Format & Grading

Classes will be conducted as lecture, project work and discussion, with Class Activities as given and over-the-week Assignments shown. Students will work as teams and as a committee of the whole to develop functional and system models for a system type to be studied. When suitable structures have been developed, teams will test specific real-world systems against these criteria.

Project: 2/3
In Class Work: 1/3

Students will work on small teams to undertake an evaluation of a specific system. A research report will discuss the study, present the evaluation process, explain results and draw conclusions.