Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
Topic or Tag
Abstract
Capability-Based Planning (CBP) defines a framework that has an all-encompassing view of existing abilities and future needs for strategically deciding what is needed and how to effectively achieve it. Both business and government acquisition domains use CBP for financial success or to design a well-balanced defense system. The definitions understandably vary across these domains. This paper endeavors to consolidate these definitions to provide a comprehensive view of CBP, its potential, and practical implementation of its principles.
Cite This SEI Report
Hira, A., & Nichols, B. (2024, February 7). Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/.
@techreport{hira_2024,
author={Hira, Anandi and Nichols, Bill},
title={Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials},
month={Feb},
year={2024},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Oct-20}
}
Hira, Anandi, and Bill Nichols. "Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, February 7, 2024. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/.
A. Hira, and B. Nichols, "Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 7-Feb-2024 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/. [Accessed: 20-Oct-2026].
Hira, Anandi, and Bill Nichols. "Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 7 Feb. 2024. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
Hira, Anandi; & Nichols, Bill. Navigating Capability-Based Planning: The Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation Essentials. Software Engineering Institute. 2024. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/navigating-capability-based-planning-the-benefits-challenges-and-implementation-essentials/