ASEP Decision Analysis and Trade Studies

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a trade study in systems engineering?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate and compare alternative solutions against defined criteria

Answer

A trade study evaluates and compares alternatives against defined criteria to support informed decision-making.

Question 2

Which method is commonly used in ASEP trade studies to rank alternatives by assigning weighted scores?

Accepted Answer

Weighted scoring matrix (Pugh matrix)

Answer

A weighted scoring matrix, such as a Pugh matrix, assigns weights to criteria and scores each alternative to produce a ranked comparison.

Question 3

In a Figures of Merit (FOM) analysis, what does each FOM represent?

Accepted Answer

A key performance parameter used to measure system effectiveness

Answer

Figures of Merit are measurable parameters used to assess and compare how well each alternative meets system effectiveness goals.

Question 4

What is the role of sensitivity analysis in a trade study?

Accepted Answer

To determine how changes in criteria weights affect the outcome

Answer

Sensitivity analysis reveals how robust a decision is by showing how the preferred alternative changes when criteria weights are varied.

Question 5

During decision analysis, which of the following is the FIRST step a systems engineer should perform?

Accepted Answer

Define the decision criteria

Answer

Defining decision criteria before generating or scoring alternatives ensures the evaluation remains objective and aligned with system requirements.

ASEP - Associate Systems Engineering Professional Practice Test