[comp.software-eng] Estimating The Cost Of Analysis/Development

jpope@axion.bt.co.uk (john pope) (05/23/91)

I'm sorry about the previous version

1. it took a hell of a lot of frigging to get out (a blockage 
somewhere between us and the world-wide networks)
2. anyone who got it is complaining of the infinite line length.

so here goes again:

We are looking into the problem of estimating the cost of system
analysis/development when the only basis you have for estimating 
is a strategic plan.

This particular problem has been identified from some work using 
Information Engineering (as per James Martin, Arthur Young MC, 
Ernst & Young MC etc.) although I understand that the problem exists 
for any type of strategic planning.

In essence, you have a vision of areas for further study 
(collections of business processes and information needs) 
prioritised by business goals. You may have a view of the technology 
you wish to use and the development methods BUT you don't yet know 
the systems you wish to implement. Saying that though, there seem 
to be a general set of things which appear eg financial control 
systems etc. There are, however other novel systems which may give a
particular business a strategic edge over its competitors (the whole 
purpose of the exercise in the first place) and for which no previous
analysis/development experience exists.

These areas of further study will be analysed to identify 
information systems which will then be developed in a coordinated 
fashion.

So, how does one estimate (1) the cost of the further analysis, 
(2) the cost of the subsequent development?

If you have any ideas/references, I will be happy to post a digest 
along with any constructive comments we might think appropriate.

Thank you for your attention.

John Pope






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