System evaluation methodologies

Abstract

It is a difficult task to evaluate existing large-scale systems; it is even more difficult to evaluate alternative designs for future systems. Yet, such decisions are necessary because of the long development and implementation times involved. Decisions must be made today about future systems for telecommunications, power, health-care delivery, trasportation, etc. These systems change slowly because additions or modifications are costly and must mesh with the existing elements, hence, great care must be given to the establishment of long-term goals and the evaluation of alternative future system designs.