Strategic Assessment of Risk and Technology (START) is a user-friendly computer program that assists human managers in making decisions regarding research- and- development investment portfolios in the presence of uncertainties and of non- technological constraints that include budgetary and time limits, restrictions related to infrastructure, and programmatic and institutional priorities. START facilitates quantitative analysis of technologies, capabilities, missions, scenarios and programs, and thereby enables the selection and scheduling of value-optimal development efforts. START incorporates features that, variously, perform or support a unique combination of functions, most of which are not systematically performed or supported by prior decision-support software. These functions include the following:
- Optimal portfolio selection using an expected-utility-based assessment of capabilities and technologies;
- Temporal investment recommendations;
- Distinctions between enhancing and enabling capabilities;
- Analysis of partial funding for enhancing capabilities; and
- Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.
START can run on almost any computing hardware, within Linux and related operating systems that include Mac OS X versions 10.3 and later, and can run in Windows under the Cygwin environment. START can be distributed in binary code form. START calls, as external libraries, several open-source software packages. Output is in Excel (.xls) file format.
This program was written by Virgil Adumitroaie, Hook Hua, William Lincoln, Gary Block, Joseph Mrozinski, Kacie Shelton, Charles Weisbin, Alberto Elfes, and Jeffrey Smith of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-44800.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Computational Support for Technology- Investment Decisions
(reference NPO-44800) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that outlines the "START" (STrategic Assessment of Risk and Technology) software tool, designed to aid in the decision-making process for technology investment in research and development (R&D) projects. It emphasizes the challenges faced by program managers who must make strategic investment decisions under uncertain conditions, constrained by limited budgets, infrastructure, time restrictions, and institutional priorities.
START serves as a comprehensive computational support system that facilitates the quantitative assessment of various technologies, capabilities, missions, and programs. Its primary goal is to enable the selection and scheduling of value-optimal development efforts while minimizing risks and costs, and maximizing program goals. The software provides a systematic approach to portfolio selection, utilizing an expected utility-based assessment of capabilities and technologies. Key features include:
- Optimal Portfolio Selection: The tool helps in selecting the best combination of R&D projects based on their expected utility.
- Temporal Investment Recommendations: It offers guidance on when to invest in specific technologies or capabilities.
- Inclusion of Non-Technical Constraints: The software accounts for various constraints beyond technical aspects, ensuring a holistic approach to decision-making.
- Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis: It allows users to analyze how sensitive the outcomes are to changes in assumptions or inputs.
- User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed to be accessible, making it easier for users to navigate and utilize its features.
START has been successfully employed in assessing and prioritizing investment portfolios across several NASA programs and directorates, demonstrating its practical application in real-world scenarios. The software is compatible with various operating systems, including Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows (via Cygwin), and it utilizes several open-source libraries for its functionality.
The document also provides contact information for further assistance and emphasizes that the information contained within is intended to support the broader goals of the Commercial Technology Program at NASA, promoting aerospace-related developments with potential wider technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
In summary, the Technical Support Package highlights the importance of systematic decision-making tools like START in optimizing R&D investments, addressing the complexities of technology assessment, and supporting NASA's mission to advance aerospace technology.
