Software Engineering

14.2.2 
Assemble the data collection and analysis mechanisms
The purpose of a trade study is to establish the relative value proposition of each 
competing architectural alternative. To accomplish this, the ability to gather and ana-
lyze the proper data is influential toward the relevance and suitability of conclusions 
drawn from the data sets. Data collection tools, instruments, and appendages are 
directly predisposed by the selected experimental mechanisms. Therefore, data col-
lection and analysis mechanisms must be considered during the identification of the 
experimental mechanisms defined in the “Assemble Experimental Mechanisms” task.
There are a variety of approaches to collecting and analyzing experimental data 
sets dependent on the experimental approach utilized. 
Table 14.1
 provides a list of 
data collection mechanisms available and the types of analytical techniques that 
support their analysis. When computer-based models and simulations are employed 
it may be necessary to assess the fidelity of each model to capture and preserve the 
pertinent data elements. The precision of the model parameters must be harmonized 
to ensure a consistent data set for analysis. The data files resulting from the experi-
mentation should be backed up and controlled to provide an historical record of the 
trade-study outcomes. The data analysis techniques represented in 
Table 14.1
 are 
defined as follows:
1. 
Time series analysis
—the analysis of a sequence of data points, measured typi-
cally at successive time instants spaced at uniform time intervals. The analysis 
of time series data for the purpose of extracting meaningful statistics and other 
characteristics from the data.