ASEP Decision Analysis and Trade Studies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'decision gate' in the system life cycle?
- A software code review checkpoint
- A formal review point where stakeholders authorize progression to the next phase (Correct answer)
- A budget approval for subcontractors
- A test event for hardware components
Correct answer: A formal review point where stakeholders authorize progression to the next phase
A decision gate is a formal milestone review at which stakeholders evaluate readiness and authorize advancement to the next life cycle phase.
Question 2: In ASEP decision analysis, what distinguishes an objective from a constraint?
- Objectives are fixed limits; constraints are goals to optimize
- Objectives are goals to maximize or minimize; constraints are fixed boundaries that must be respected (Correct answer)
- Objectives are written by engineers; constraints are written by customers
- There is no practical difference
Correct answer: Objectives are goals to maximize or minimize; constraints are fixed boundaries that must be respected
Objectives represent goals to be optimized (e.g., minimize weight), while constraints are hard boundaries that solutions must not violate.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a decision matrix 'normalization' step?
- To convert all scores to a common scale so they can be fairly compared (Correct answer)
- To remove low-performing alternatives
- To add risk factors to the scores
- To document stakeholder sign-off
Correct answer: To convert all scores to a common scale so they can be fairly compared
Normalization converts raw scores to a common scale (e.g., 0–10) so alternatives measured in different units can be fairly compared.
Question 4: Which of the following is the BEST description of a 'cost-effectiveness analysis'?
- A method that selects the cheapest alternative regardless of performance
- A comparison of the cost of each alternative relative to the effectiveness it provides (Correct answer)
- An audit of vendor invoices
- A schedule compression technique
Correct answer: A comparison of the cost of each alternative relative to the effectiveness it provides
Cost-effectiveness analysis compares alternatives by relating their cost to the level of effectiveness they deliver, enabling value-for-money decisions.
Question 5: In a trade study, the term 'alternative' refers to:
- A revised project schedule
- A distinct candidate design or approach that could satisfy the system need (Correct answer)
- A backup supplier
- A secondary set of requirements
Correct answer: A distinct candidate design or approach that could satisfy the system need
In a trade study, an alternative is a distinct design or approach being evaluated to determine which best satisfies system requirements.
Question 6: Which INCOSE principle states that trade-off decisions should be documented and traceable?
- The principle of emergent behavior
- The principle of decision transparency and auditability (Correct answer)
- The principle of system decomposition
- The principle of interface control
Correct answer: The principle of decision transparency and auditability
INCOSE emphasizes that trade-off decisions must be documented and traceable so that rationale can be reviewed, audited, and revisited as conditions change.
ASEP Decision Analysis and Trade Studies 2
Which of the following best describes a 'decision gate' in the system life cycle?