Kossiakoff, A., & Sweet, W. N. (2003). Systems Engineering, Principles and Practice, Wiley, J. & Sons, Inc.

What role does exploratory research and development conducted prior to the establishment of a formal system acquisition program play in advancing the objective of a system acquisition program? What are the main differences between the organization and funding of R&D programs and system development programs.

(This question requires you to stretch you insights, since the textbook does not give a template answer. To answer this question effectively, reflect on the following questions: What are key characteristics of R&D that have management impacts? What do we mean by exploratory R&D, and where does it fit in the overall system development process? How does managing an R&D effort differ from managing a traditional engineering system development project, e.g., designing and building a new house?)