The Joint Airborne Paper Vehicle (JAPV) ?Program Manager (PM) ?has asked your advice on Technical Reviews.
She knows which review confirms the allocated baseline, but now wants to know what the allocated baseline does for the program.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The allocated baseline is a crucial element in project management, particularly in engineering and development programs such as the Joint Airborne Paper Vehicle (JAPV) program. It defines the performance, design, and operational characteristics of the system and provides a framework for program control and decision-making. Specifically, the allocated baseline provides several key functions for the program:
- Establishes Requirements: The allocated baseline reflects the system’s requirements that have been subdivided from the higher-level system specification. These requirements outline the functionality, performance, and design elements that the system must meet. For example, in the case of the JAPV, the baseline may specify the vehicle’s performance in airborne conditions, payload capacity, and operational reliability.
- Controls Design and Development: By defining the allocated baseline, the program establishes a reference for the detailed design and development process. This allows engineers and developers to align their efforts with the intended objectives, ensuring that all components meet the program’s goals. It also helps identify any changes to the scope or requirements, thus maintaining program control and alignment with customer needs.
- Provides a Basis for Configuration Management: The allocated baseline serves as the cornerstone for configuration management, ensuring that any changes to the design or requirements are tracked and managed. This helps to maintain consistency across different stages of the program and ensures that the system’s configuration remains aligned with the original objectives throughout its life cycle.
- Facilitates Verification and Validation: With the allocated baseline, the program can establish clear criteria for testing and evaluation. This includes defining the metrics for verifying that the system performs as intended under operational conditions. Validation ensures that the system meets the needs of the stakeholders and complies with the overarching objectives of the program.
In summary, the allocated baseline for the JAPV program establishes clear requirements, provides a framework for design and development, ensures configuration control, and serves as the foundation for verifying and validating the system’s performance and functionality.