Understanding Complexity and Self-Organization in a Defense Program Management Organization (Experimental Design)

Abstract

This proposed research experiment will examine the decision-making process within the program office and the self-organization of key program office personnel based upon formal and informal communications links. Additionally, we are interested in the effects of this self-organizing process on the organization's shared situational awareness and ultimately how these decisions evolve and impact overall program performance. This experiment will help us determine the impact of individual relationships within a program office and how their decision-making and task execution impacts the overall performance of a program. We will examine these relationships by observing the communications network within the organization and the various formal and informal ties that manifest themselves as a program progresses through the acquisition process.