Management processes in U.S. air traffic management modernization : a study of global navigation satellite system development

Abstract

This thesis investigates organization and management issues associated with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) efforts to modernize the nation's Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. Focus is placed specifically on efforts by the FAA to implement a satellite-based navigation system in accord with the ICAO's definition of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The US Global Positioning System (GPS) provides much of the capability desired in the GNSS, but enhancements are required to meet full capability required for civil aviation purposes. The research examined the working relationships and the management processes used in the course of major system development and acquisition. The research and analysis discovered a strong functional orientation in the FAA. The research also identified a significant difference in cultural attributes between the two major divisions in the agency: Systems Operations and Systems Development. The combination of these differences serves to impede communication and cooperation among development project participants at the agency and, therefore, to inhibit identification and development of new systems to satisfy airspace users needs. In addition recommendations are made for improvements to the agency's acquisition policy and to system development processes.