Current Status
The project is complete and the Dynamic Tailoring method has passed internal testing. The manual Dynamic Tailoring list and table for MIL-STD-1791A were published as non-binding guidance in the standard. The dramatic change represented by Dynamic Tailoring is difficult for the current system to accept. The computer-based version faces further hurdles as the Department of Defense does not presently publish standards except on paper or in PDF. The anticipated workload of converting other eligible standards is seen as the main roadblock to wider adoption of the method, regardless of manual or electronic implementation. An education and training effort will be required to move forward with this time-saving advance in knowledge management.
Conclusion
In short, Dynamic Tailoring guides the user with a method that can be thought of as searching backwards. It starts with the answers and the Subject Matter Expert who holds them. The SME then investigates all the ways questions may be put to his document (requirements analysis). After this the SME creates the list of relevant questions and identifies the parts of his document that answer them (Requirements Correlation). This correlation is then provided to the user as the Dynamic Tailoring method for the document. Thus, any possible user’s query is focused and guided to the correct answer before their search has begun. The time savings of both internal and external users of standardization documents will surely benefit the Government, or any other standards-issuing body.
References
Dick Bourne, Search …and find (Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 135, No. 09) pg.45, citing research by CIMdata of Ann Arbor, MI.
AFH33-337, The Tongue and Quill, 1 Aug 2004, page 29, [clarification added].