A multi-Attribute Value Assessment Method for the Early Product Development Phase With Application to the Business Airplane Industry

Naturally the work of Harry Cook and his associates was of immeasurable value and cannot be overestimated. I appreciate Dr. Cook’s time with my questions regarding his work, and his tolerance of an “outsider” asking to play with his “toys.” And of course the staff at LAI: Eric Rebentisch, Kirk Bozdogan, Tom Shields, Terry Bryan, Donna Rhodes, Hugh McManus, and George Roth. A more dedicated bunch to improving aerospace you will not find. LAI was also generous enough to provide financial support toward the end of my research. I am truly indebted to this group. Raytheon Company has been generous enough to support much of my research and time away from work through the Aldo R. Miccioli Graduate Studies Program. I am indebted to Leland Johnson, Jr. at Raytheon Aircraft for first bringing the Miccioli program to my attention,
and to former Director of Engineering, Pietro Ventresca, at Raytheon Company for so strongly supporting my decision to attend MIT. Stephen King at Raytheon’s division in Lexington, and later Sam Bruner at the Aircraft division in Wichita, proved strong advocates for my studies.

My course of study outlasted three vice presidents of engineering at Raytheon Aircraft, so all of these people must have been doing something pretty darned effective in my favor! And finally, a very special group of my peers at MIT; you were stalwarts through all the ups and downs (and downs and downs) of this process. Someday we will look back and laugh (I think). To everyone in our small, special group: if I can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll be there to return the favor.