Abstract:
Complex technical systems go through a series of stages in their
evolution from a concept of how to meet a possible challenge to an
operational version responding to real-world crises. The present
analysis offers a characterization of these stages and the factors that
shape the transitions between them. It can be used to describe the
status of a system, to characterize or antic~pate developmental
difficulties, and to diagnose the sources of disagreements among those
involved with it. It is illustrated here in the context of a specific
system for which all stages must be addressed successfully, the
National Command Authority for control of nuclear weapons in the U.S.
or U.S.S.R.