SYSTEM ENGINEERING USING “TOY” COMPUTERS

Abstract

The current proliteration of microcomputers and software provides the system engineer and program manager a useful set of tools that can be adapted to support and enhance the program management effort. The functions that can be implemented effectively include scheduling, word processing, budgeting, limited data base applications, requirements tracing, document control, electronic mail/bulletin boards, and the tracking of contractual details. This paper describes strategies and architectures useful fo r implementing microcomputers into the program office environment. Also discussed is a software development methodology specifically tailored for the use at microcomputer applications software. * K. Yvonne Sheets is employed by Space Research, Inc., 440 Redondo Ave., Suite 202, Long Beach, Ca. 90814, and is under contract to ARGOSystams, Inc.