COTS-Based Systems for Program Managers

This one-day course addresses the major challenges and opportunities associated with the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products in software-intensive systems from the perspective of the program manager.

The instructor describes practices based on real-world case studies for establishing a COTS business case, vendor and supplier relationships, architecture, license negotiation, requirements, evaluation, risk management, and more.

The instructor delivers a presentation and invites questions and discussion as time permits.

Who should attend?

  • program managers and their direct reports
  • source selection teams

What will you learn?

After attending, program managers will be better equipped to

  • devise an action plan to deal with the range of activities affected by COTS
  • anticipate and plan for problems and risks that might otherwise catch managers unaware
  • include COTS-based systems when formulating acquisition strategies

Course Details at a Glance

2009 Course Fees [USD]

U.S. Industry:

$500

U.S. Government/Academic:

$400

International:

$1000

Next Learning Opportunity

March 22 , 2010 (SEI Arlington, VA)

This course may be offered by special arrangement at customer sites.



 

 

 

For More Information

 

E-mail: course-info@sei.cmu.edu
Phone: 412-268-7622

 

 


2010 Dates
March 22 , 2010 (SEI Arlington, VA)
September 14 , 2010 (SEI Pittsburgh, PA)

This course may be offered by special arrangement at customer sites.

Schedule

This one-day course meets from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  • fundamental definitions associated with COTS-based systems
  • an overview of areas affected by COTS-based systems
  • affects on engineering
  • affects on business
  • affects on acquisition
  • contractual activities
  • recommendations
Participants should be familiar with acquisition and program management. Industry attendees should be comfortable with DoD terminology.
Materials that accompany the course help participants to apply the concepts in their programs, by giving reference materials and guides for actions managers can take.
  • slides with extensive notes
  • annotated bibliography on COTS-based systems
  • quick-reference card with the keys to success with COTS-based systems
  • "COTS-Based Systems: Keys for Success and CBS Activity Sets"
  • "COTS-Based Systems: What Executives Should Look For in Their Programs"
  • "The Commandments of COTS: Still in Search of the Promised Land"
  • "The Opportunities and Complexities of Applying Commercial Off-the-Shelf Components"
  • Quotations from Chairman David: A Little Red Book of Truths to Enlighten and Guide on the Long March Toward the COTS Revolution