SYSTEM ACQUISITION EXPERIENCE,
Abstract
An analysis of 21 military acquisition programs to see how closely original estimates of cost and performance compare with actual outcomes, and whether there has been any improvement in estimating outcomes in the 1960s over the preceding decade. Quantitative findings are reported as ratios of actual results to initial estimates based on the Technical Development Plan. Cost growth seemed to be the result of adjustments of target goal. Estimates seemed to be somewhat less biased toward optimism in the 1960s, but it is uncertain whether this was due to improved estimating or to improved control of program fluctuations. Performance characteristics factor numbers had a broad distribution, with some better than expected outcomes but also with some sizable shortfalls. The research indicates the need for continuing efforts to control the cost, schedule, and article performance outcomes of programs and for better understanding of the causes for program growth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0698732
Entities
People
- A. J. Harman
- D. Disalvo
- G. R. Hall
- G. S. Levenson
- R. L. Perry
Organizations
- RAND Corporation