Modular Open Systems Approach Impacts on Program Management Metrics

The Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that leverages open architectures and abandons large, monolithic systems is among the prevailing acquisition strategies for cost and schedule management in DoW major acquisition programs. This approach involves the incorporation of reusable, modular packages that can be incrementally added and upgraded throughout a program’s life cycle. Many practitioners throughout the acquisition community find that MOSA enables better opportunities for affordability, rapid acquisition, flexibility, enhanced competition, and innovation. A literature review reveals that few studies examine the interaction between MOSA and the extent to which it influences cost and schedule performance. This research empirically investigates and compares Earned Value Management data for aircraft that do and do not employ open architecture. Overall, findings support that the presence of open architecture is negatively associated with schedule performance around the halfway point for development contracts. The authors theorize that programs adopting open architecture may be overly optimistic when estimating schedule.