ON THE ROLE OF THE COST ANALYST IN A WEAPON SYSTEM STUDY

Abstract

There are two ideas which have motivated this paper: first, that the role of the cost analyst is not to appear after decisions are made and provide some kind of estimate which justifies the decisions; and, secondly, that cost analysis is not an activity which is carried out by itself, but is an important part of a larger analytic activity which is sometimes called systems analysis, sometimes cost-effectiveness analysis, and sometimes cost-utility analysis. This larger activity attempts to examine alternative means of achieving specific goals with the ultimate intention of making the best possible decisions. The main intent of this paper is to show how the cost analyst can usefully participate in this analytic process and provide insights which contribute to the making of the aforementioned 'best possible decisions.'

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0636497

Entities

People

  • A. J. Tenzer
  • J. J. Kermisch

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Area Defense
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Defense Systems
  • Force Structure
  • Ground Support Equipment
  • Maintenance
  • Procurement
  • Sea Launched
  • Systems Analysis
  • Turboprop Engines
  • United States
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design