Task: Define Utility Curve for each Criterion
This task focuses on defining utility curves for each of the assessment criteria.
Disciplines: System Engineering Requirements
Purpose
The purpose of this task is to define a set of normalization curves, one for each assessment criterion that will be used to produce a dimensionless Measure of Effectiveness for each solution candidate.
Relationships
RolesPrimary Performer: Additional Performers:
InputsMandatory:
    Optional:
    • None
    Outputs
      Main Description

      A normalization curve, also known as a utility curve or value function, is used to compute the measure of effectiveness of a candidate solution for a particular assessment criterion. This curve yields a normalized value typically between 0 and 10. The input value to the curve is typically based upon equipment specifications or derived from calculations based upon possible solutions. In this case it is considered as being objective. A utility curve may also be created by knowledgeable project members. In this case the curve reflects the consensus among the group but should be considered as subjective.

      Steps
      Select an assessment criterion
      There will be a utility curve associated with each assessment criterion. Select an assessment criterion and perform the following steps.
      Define utility curve
      1. Define optimum value of assessment criterion.
      2. Set tolerances around target value.
      3. Define the utility values between the upper / lower tolerances and the optimum. The utility values are normalized between 0 and 10 (i.e. the higher the score, the more favorable the evaluation).
      Repeat analysis for each assessment criterion
      Capture the information defining the utility curve for the subject criterion in the Trade Study report and repeat the previous steps for each criterion.