Managers of aerospace technology programs and projects are faced with the challenge of making technology portfolio decisions under conditions of limited data, rapidly changing macro level factors and organizational uncertainties. To help make these technology investment decisions, some aerospace managers and analysts have used techniques from the field of decision analysis. In addition, there have been a limited number of research studies of real decision problems.
This dissertation presents the results of a non-experimental examination of the use of decision analysis methods for the assessment of aerospace technology portfolios. A web-based survey instrument was developed based on the results of a pilot study conducted using cognitive interviewing techniques. Quantitative data was collected from government and industry aerospace researchers and managers with experience in research and/or with the development of aerospace technology portfolios and the completion of their assessments. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the study hypotheses. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made for future research
