Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Where can you find a solid, forthright overview of the computer systems and management behind airline reservations? NASA's space shuttle? Or any of the multitude of other large computer systems that support important projects or national activities? It's hard, sometimes impossible: partly because the people who worked on such systems often do not have the time to write about their experiences: and partly because many professional journalists who interview these people do not have the technical background to ferret out answers to the fundamental design questions addressed in these systems.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gifford et al. (1984) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: