A theoretical basis for the concept of effectiveness.

This thesis offers, to those concerned with analysis of modern weapons systems, a general methodology for devising appropriate and meaningful measures of effectiveness. This methodology does not include a specific model for "plugging in" system parameters and mechanically "grinding out" system effectiveness. It is intended only as a general "plan" through which the researcher can channel his own judgment and experience. The primary purpose of this plan is to guide the researcher through a logical transition from a purely subjective, and more or less vague, concept of effectiveness to a useable and more explicit formulation. Effectiveness is modeled as that single system characteristic positioned at the apex of a characteristic "pyramid". This pyramid is constructed with "layers" of progressively fewer and more subjective characteristics. Mathematical properties of measurements appropriate to these characteristics are discussed as a function of the intended use of the effectiveness measurement. The type of measurement required to meet an analysis objective is dependent on the objective function or optimization criteria chosen. Because of this fact, the types of measurements have been classified into four scales and each scale related to a particular type of objective function.

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, California. U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

1966

Author dc:creator

• Harrison, William Lamar

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Torrance, Charles C.

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/9652

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/9652