An Analysis of Factors Influencing Defense Acquisition Decision Making: Nousmaking and the Defense Program Manager

Abstract

Defense program managers play a critical role in managing major defense acquisition program outcomes. Although the defense acquisition management system and defense program manager have been topics of analysis for decades, not enough research focuses on defense program manager sensemaking in the defense acquisition management system. The purpose of this research is to build upon the research of professor of practice and retired Army Colonel Raymond Jones and his nousmaking concept. Further exploration of nousmaking and decision making and the application of these concepts to the defense program manager dilemma can enhance our understanding of these interrelated topics, expand the scope of existing defense acquisition management research, and influence DOD’s future assessments of defense acquisition program outcomes.