This course provides technical professionals with an understanding of how to systematically assess the technology maturity and development needs of systems, subsystems, and components for projects. Through lectures and case studies, participants will learn how to use tools like the Advancement Degree of Difficulty process to identify costs, schedules, and risks associated with immature technologies. They will also develop plans for technology maturation to help projects meet their goals. The half-day basic course costs $1,500 plus travel expenses, while a full-day option with hands-on exercises is $2,000 plus travel.

1. Systematic Assessment of Technology
Advancement and Insertion Requirements
for Programs/Projects
James W. Bilbro
JB Consulting International
Audience
This course is designed for technical professionals in projects or systems engineering at the journeyman, or
supervisory level.
Goal
The ½ day basic course provides an understanding of what is required to perform a systematic assessment
of the technology maturity and corresponding development needs of the systems, subsystems and
components required to enable a program/project to meet goals and objectives. The content provides
concepts, tools, and techniques required to successfully perform assessments on complex projects –
including those involving System of Systems. Real-life case studies are included. An additional ½ day of
exercising the tools on mock assessments can be included as an option.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn how to assess programs/projects with respect to understanding the state of technology
maturity of the systems, subsystems and components required for successful completion/operation. They
will also learn how to use the Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) process to identify the “tall tent poles”
in cost, schedule and risk associated with developing immature elements and to lay out technology
development plans with associated cost and schedule plans necessary to ensure successful
program/project completion. Specific issues presented in the context of the case studies help participants
gain in-depth knowledge about real-life successes and failures in project management.
Learning Methods
The course employs a combination of lecture with class interaction. Case studies are used along with an “in-
class” assessment project to give participants hands-on experience in assessing the technology maturity of
actual systems, subsystems and components and to relate that maturity to cost, schedule and risk impacts
in the subsequent development process. An in-class assessment is available as an option.
Specific Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the rationale for performing technology assessments and the impact of not doing so
• Have a firm understanding of the Technology Readiness levels and their exit criteria
• Apply systematic processes to assess programs/projects to determine maturity and development
needs
JB Consulting International
4017 Panorama Drive SE Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-534-6245 Fax : 866-235-8953 Mobile : 256-655-6273 E-mail: jbci@bellsouth.net
Website : www. jbconsulting International.com

2. • Employ a suite of tools that will enable a standardized assessment
• Understand the Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) as it relates to identifying cost, risk and
schedule impacts of immature technology for program/project completion
• Employ the AD2 Tool to systematically identify “tall tent poles” in cost, risk and schedule
• Develop a plan for successful technology maturation and insertion for complex projects
• Develop the basis for “push back” on program/project requirements that cannot be met
• Communicate technological risks to stakeholders
Key Topics
• Technology Readiness Level descriptions for hardware and software along with exit criteria for
each level
• Definition of assessment terminology
• TRL and AD2 Assessment process description
• TRL and AD2 Assessment tools description
• Optional complex assessment project in which class members are engaged
Duration:
Basic Course: ½ day (3½ hrs instruction, + one 15 min break)
Basic Course + Option: 1 day (6 ½ hrs instruction, + two 15 min breaks and a 1 hr lunch)
Materials:
All presentation material including tools will be provided in electronic format by means of a link to
www.jbconsultinginternational.com
Facilities Required:
Lecture room with projector and screen. Each participant must have a laptop.
Cost
Basic Course $1,500 per session plus travel (airfare, rental car (or mileage for POV), lodging, meals and
incidentals plus actual travel time in route ($100 per hour)
Basic Course + Option $2000 plus travel (airfare, rental car (or mileage for POV), lodging, meals and
incidentals plus actual travel time in route ($100 per hour)
If presentation material and tools are desired in CD/DVD form there is an additional charge of $5 per
CD/DVD.
JB Consulting International
4017 Panorama Drive SE Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-534-6245 Fax : 866-235-8953 Mobile : 256-655-6273 E-mail: jbci@bellsouth.net
Website : www. jbconsulting International.com