Structural complexity includes the size of the acquisition
system while focusing on the connectivity of the parts of the
system and its hierarchy [32]. For purposes of the defense
project management system, structural complexity also
includes the civilian and military hierarchy and the
connectivity between higher and lower level commands, and
program offices. The number staff actions between these
organizations is significant, and includes both issues relating
to managing ongoing development, as well as issues discussed
above of conflict, context and capacity.
Beyond the hierarchies, project organizations are major
business entities directly controlling budgeting, spending and
in most cases the award of fee to defense companies. project
organizations are spread throughout the United States and
overseas, and organized into military-type hierarchical
organizations. The architecture aspect of structural
complexity is also influenced by the nature of defense
acquisition. Since the technology development infrastructure
(i.e. laboratories, R&D centers and manufacturing) is for most
part privately owned, structural complexity also describes the
network connectivity necessary for the system to function.
Sheard and Mostashari divide dynamic complexity into
short and long term. In the case of project management,
unpredictability and uncertainty is common [35]. Whether it
is a tactical response to a development problem, or an
administrative response to directives, the project management
system is in constant flux.
The unpredictability arises from the diverse and
always changing aspects of ongoing development. Each
individual (the human element) will interpret and emphasize
different aspects of the problem and how to address that
problem. This has potentially significant impact on the
management system unless this unpredictability can be
mitigated. In other words, the inter dependency is severed, and
project organizations are reduced to experience-driven
survival skills rather than the approved project organization
processes.
Uncertainty also stems for the military rotation policy
where senior leaders change jobs approximately every two three
years.
Most
new
leaders
are driven
to make
a mark
on
the
organization,
and
may
be therefore
unwittingly
contributing
to the
uncertainty
of
the
staff.
This
constant
change
has
two
main
effects.
The
first
is
a focus
on the shortterm.
What
can
one
do
in
the
next
12-24
months
that
will
make
a difference
and
further
a career?
This
constant
change
also
affects
the
technical
staff.
Uncertainty
is
reflected
in
another
complexity
factor,
socio-political
[36].
It is this
area
where
the
nexus
between
management,
and
the
nonengineering
human
factors
of policy,
process
and
practice
of
the
system
is
most
critical.
The last aspect of complexity in the context of program
management is interdependence. When different systems
interact, there are two results. The first is the cumulative
effect of the interaction [37]. For the project organization, the
inter dependencies between those managing the development
and those executing the development should result in
repeatable, consistent results—continued progress in system
development. However, when the link between those
managing and those executing is broken, or as can happen,
ignored, the inter dependency is broken. Consideration and
appreciation of the effects of complexity is critical for any
examination of the defense project management office.
Complexity drives the necessity for a systems approach to
project management.