A novel equipment contribution evaluation framework for ESoS from a comprehensive perspective

Modern military operations are dynamic processes involving heterogeneous systems connected via multiple channels, which can be abstracted as equipment system of systems (ESoS). The system contribution rate evaluation in ESoS, which aids how to wisely choose which equipment should have first access to technical enhancement given limited resources, is of significant study value. It has been discussed in the literature, and multiple effective methods have been proposed. Nevertheless, most of them focused on a single perspective (i.e., effectiveness, capability). And mathematical modeling of ESoS networks with stochastic features remains a challenging research area. This paper proposes a framework that can address equipment contribution from the perspective of ESoS structure and operational effect. Using the graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT), the operational process with stochastic characteristics is networked modeling. Based on this model, multi-metric assessments, including performing tasks' success probability, operational time and completion degree for effectiveness contribution and importance indicators for structural contribution, are developed. Finally, a computational study is conducted to verify the application of the proposed framework. Results demonstrate that instead of giving one result such as either completion degree or time, a GERT method with Mason's formula assists decision-makers in simultaneously obtaining multiple outcomes.