Practice: Trade Study - Weighted Objectives Method
The objective of a trade study is to determine the best means of achieving the capability of a particular aspect of the system in a rational manner.
Purpose

The main focus is to understand and choose the best approach to achieving a capability of a function in a rational manner (for example assess build, buy, re-use) and to apply Measures of Effectiveness as weighted criteria according to importance like cost, safety to support elaboration of design concepts.

The main value proposition of this practice is to allow stakeholders to clearly assess the merits of alternative solution concepts.

Main Description
This practice is based on a technique known as the Weighted Objectives Method, developed by N. Cross [Engineering Design Methods: Strategies for Product Design, Nigel Cross, Wiley, 1989]. This form of analysis is commonly used to evaluate potential solutions to functional problems. It can also be used to determine the best hardware platforms for software or decide the optimum mechanical/electrical hardware split based upon non-functional requirements like a set of customer constraints, performance or cost criteria.
How to read this practice

Start with the main workflow and go through each task in detail. Read the description of the central artifact of this practice, the Trade Study Report, and its collateral material.

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