Configuration Management Process Maturity: Definition and Maturation of Configuration Management for Aerospace and Defence Industries

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Abstract

This research focuses on the effective implementation and continuous improvement methodologies for Configuration Management practices within aerospace and defence industries. The research is conducted mainly to develop a Configuration Management Maturity Model which is based on Critical Success Factors and Barriers to Configuration Management implementation. The motives behind this research were the lack of understanding and problems in the implementation of high-grade Configuration Management systems as highlighted by other researchers.The research is conducted in three phases through interviews and questionnaire surveys with experienced Configuration Management professionals working in aerospace and defence industries. The first part of this research identifies, prioritizes, and categorizes the Critical Success Factors for Configuration Management and devises a Configuration Management Activity Model to help practationers in the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the process. The second part of the research sets out to identify and prioritize the obstacles to effective implementation of Configuration Management practices, categorized these obstacles into more manageable groups of factors, and analysed the effects of multiple factors on identification and rating of these barriers. Both studies were conducted through mixed method research with in-depth interviews followed by questionnaire surveys. The governance aspect of the process is also investigated to a great deal in the second part through interviews to conclude on process governance in various setups.The third part of this research is related to the development of a Configuration Management Maturity Model. It is important to note that other maturity models on the topic are generic in nature and emphasis on ‘what’ to implement instead of ‘how’ to implement which has left a gap of uncertainty that forced us to devise a suitable framework. The Configuration Management Maturity Model is an assessment tool which not only provides benchmark information but also helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the process. This maturity framework is unique in its presentation and unlike previous maturity models, is based on current Configuration Management practices, Critical Success Factors, and Barriers to Configuration Management implementation. This maturity model will help organizations to assess their current level of maturity, identify rational targets for improvements, and will help in providing action plans for enhancing their configuration management process capability. Like the previous two studies, this part of the research is conducted through semi-structured interviews followed by questionniare surveys.

Keyword(s)

Configuration management, Software Configuration Management, Configuration Management in Aerospace and Defence Industries, Configuration Management Critical Success Factors, Barriers to Configuration Management implementation, Critical Success Factors, Process Barriers, Process Capabilities, Project Management Critical Success Factors, Maturity Model, Process Maturity, Process Improvement, Project Management, Quality Management, Inferential Statistic, Parametric Tests, Non Parametric Tests, Governance, Types of Organizational Structures.

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