A Taxonomy of Cost Estimating Characteristics as Applied to an Aircraft Replenishment Spares Model.

摘要

Department of Defense cost estimation requires improvement, particularly as it applies to budgetary estimates for major weapon system acquisitions. This research explores ways of improving cost estimating methodology by the development of a taxonomy of cost estimating characteristics which may be used as a guide in constructing and evaluating cost estimating models. Such a guide was developed on a framework of systems theory and applied to the construction of a conceptual model designed to estimate replenishment investment spares budgetary requirements for the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) in support of major weapon systems acquisitions. The taxonomy of cost estimating characteristics was then used to evaluate the conceptual model and the present AFLC replenishment investment spares model. The research demonstrated the usefulness of a taxonomy of cost estimating characteristics and concluded that budgetary estimates for replenishment investment spares could be improved. (Author)