ILS and SE Management

The objective of the Workshop is to expand the scope of the understanding of the attendees to include those essential aspects of identification, definition and formalisation of ILS and LSA and support requirements from the start of the concept phase in the acquisition process through in-service support. Run as a mixture of learning and workshop activities, attendees, who should already have knowledge of ILS, will spend a significant amount of time discussing alternative approaches in small groups, proposing their favoured solutions and evaluating alternatives suggested by other course participants. This course has been shown to be both extremely useful and thought-provoking for participants including not only Project Managers, Technical Directors and ILS Managers, but also those involved in preparing invitations to tender and the tender response for contract in which Integrated Logistics/Product Support Analysis requirements are included. Those wishing to complement their existing knowledge in this area also benefit.

Module 1: ILS Objectives & Management. 

Introduces the concepts of system support, its objectives, composition and systematic development through life and the changing objectives and focus. Includes an exercise to illustrate these aspects.

Module 2: ILS Management and Planning. 

Addresses the management responsibilities of major stakeholders concerned with the success of the ILS Programme and introduces critical logistics-related acquisition documents with discussions on the ‘who, why, how and when’ issues that an ILS manager must know. The session also highlights critical issues, which must be achieved for Programme success and in particular considers the purpose and content of ILS and LSA planning and management documentation in the context of other related Programme Plans.

Module 3: System Effectiveness, Cost Effectiveness and Related Disciplines. 

Concepts of systems and cost effectiveness are discussed and includes a discussion of strengths and weaknesses of significant parameters.

Module 4: ILS, LSA, Progressive Assurance and Standards and Related Disciplines. 

Develops the integrated engineering environment of today’s programmes by highlighting the support engineering activities and how these activities influence or support logistics analyses and products. The session considers what we are trying to achieve rather than simply reiterating the terminology within the various standards and addresses the following aspects:

• Logistics Support Analysis, Supportability Analysis & Product Support Analysis
• Collection of Logistics Data
• ILS within the Life Cycle of a Programme
• Concept of Progressive Assurance
• Significant ILS and Support Related Standards and Specifications

Modules 5 & 6: Programme Planning Exercise. 

This further addresses the consideration, discussion and critiquing of specific requirements documentation and the identification and rationalization of supplier responses including Management and Support strategies. The delegates work in syndicates to consider not only what is actually being asked for and how that may be achieved but also to consider what alternative approaches that they would suggest. The result of the exercises are presented by syndicates and discussed by the group.

Module 7: Life Cycle Costing and Modelling. 

Discusses Concepts of and the potential types and use of models to support Cost Generation.

Module 8: Cost Estimation. 

Often one of the most challenging subjects for an ILS and Support Manager. This session focuses on the issues which must be addressed and provides pointers on models and techniques that can be used to achieve estimates. Working in small groups, the participants critically evaluate the major types of cost estimation methodologies, and examine the potential benefits and shortcomings of the major cost estimation approaches.

Module 9: Case Studies – Discussion and Exercises. 

These syndicate based exercises involve the application of the key management principles discussed during the course to a selection of Case Studies during which the major ILS Management related issues, activities and documentation are developed and the results critiqued and discussed by the group.

Module 10:    
The course concludes with a general discussion and the opportunity for delegates to further address any particular issues which may be of interest to them.

For Existing ILS Practitioners who wish to develop knowledge of the ILS related management activities, tasks, risks and responsibilities that occur throughout the lifetime of a programme. This course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.