A discussion on the interaction between Project Management and Systems Engineering to improve the Dependability of Space and Automotive Projects

Complex and/or highly integrated systems require the evaluation of Dependability (Reliability, Maintainability, Availability, etc.) throughout their life cycle. The designs of these systems have three main sets of activities: managerial, technical and quality. The recent literature suggests that: 1) the growth of the committed project cost is much greater than the cost spent in the initial stages; and also, the cost to eliminate the defects is smaller in the initial stages of project; and 2) the functions, responsibilities, and authorities of Project Management and Systems Engineering are strongly coupled. Thus, based on the recent literature and the INPE´s (National Institute for Space Research) experience, this paper will show a discussion on the interaction between Project Management and Systems Engineering to improve the Dependability of space and automotive projects. To do that, it incorporates the best of the PMI (Project Management Institute) and INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) as part of a more extensive work. This paper also summarizes an analysis of the Dependability aspects of satellite projects. It expects to contribute to reduce their nonconformities and rework, and increase their operational efficiency.