Abstract for: Developing a Candidate Methodology for Managing Nano-Scale Capability Statements

The emergence of nano-scale technologies requires a methodology to measure the consequences of nano-scale items. System dynamics offers a flexible approache to account for the unique considerations of nano-scale technologies, devices, and products that may not be apparent in existing assessment methodologies. Unique aspects of nano-scale items include test and measurement requirements, standardized ontology of nano-scale terminology, and readily applicable management techniques to ensure the full range of requirement, security, health, production, test, and disposal aspects are considered as part of the decision process. The developing research outlined in this paper proposes to craft a methodology for an executive-level management approach for nano-scale product capability definitions, offering a systematic structure for defining, documenting, assessing, and tracking relevant considerations through the entire development, acquisition, deployment and follow-on life cycle of nano-scale programs.