COSTING FOR SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

Abstract : Two principal dimensions of system cost analysis are addressed. First, the comparative analysis of alternative systems requires a method of structuring and synthesizing cost estimates in order to reveal both the total costs of achieving effectiveness and the significant differences to be found among various force-mixes. Second, the methods of estimating particular costs are evolving from a history of inappropriate or inaccessible data and great uncertainty concerning the time and cost of ultimately achieving demonstrated capability. Several important avenues for further work are discussed.