| Many complex technological systems are being produced that are not used or useful on delivery, because the wrong problem was solved. This is common due to changes in the operational environment. There has been literature that discusses the need to get stakeholders involved earlier in the development process to correct this problem; however, no one has developed a detailed framework that accomplishes this intent.; This research develops a method involving a four step sequence that validates the system early to ensure that the right problem is being solved. The method is called Continuous Early Validation (CEaVa). It is a method that increases the likelihood of producing the correct system in the end. The method develops visibility of potential disconnects among stakeholders' needs, original written requirements, organizational policy, and derived requirements. The CEaVa method will validate the external and internal consistency of the problem statement. Additionally, CEaVa provides a process to facilitate consensus resolving the potential disconnects with decision analytical reasoning for trade-off analysis of the system engineering aspects of the development.; The contribution of this research includes: (1) the development of a detailed framework that actually maintains stakeholder involvement throughout the development process to validate the problem definition continuously as the environment changes; (2) the proof that CEaVa stabilizes and refines the problem statement via case studies; (3) the production of cost-effective insights for using CEaVa to motivate the reader and decisionmakers to use this method in order to review systems within the development process.; In summary, the CEaVa method will improve the development process, which will increase the likelihood of building the right system within budget and schedule. |
