November 14, Naples, Italy
Highlights: 27th Annual International Symposium 2007
Workshop Presentations
Through-Life Estimating
Facilitated By Arlene Minkiewicz, Chief Scientist, PRICE Systems-USA and Dale Shermon, Executive Consultant, PRICE Systems-UK
The morning event provided insight into the concepts of Through-Life Estimating. Ms. Minkiewicz and Mr. Shermon conducted stimulating brain-storming and combined this with fascinating presentation material regarding the application of different estimating methodologies within a single estimating framework. The workshop concluded with a case study regarding the integration of a Blackberry and a timesheet system and clearly demonstrated the ability to use TruePlanning® through the life of a program. Download
Estimating Managed Services for an Outsourced, Global IT Infrastructure
Facilitated By Dr. Fabian Eilingsfeld, Manager, PRICE Systems-Germany
Dr. Eilingsfeld conducted the afternoon workshop; posing the question "Beyond hardware and software?" where the workshop focused on the tricky area of Managed Services and how to estimate and integrate them into a cost estimate. The advantage of TruePlanning's link to MS-Excel was demonstrated. He also created a customized Managed Services cost models in MS-Excel and then linked it into TruePlanning to integrate with other Software and IT components within the overall program cost. Download
General Sessions
Modelling Monolithic Structural Components and Systems in PRICE HL
By Sebastian Botta and Philip Hensley, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
This is a two part presentation. The first one, presented by Mr. Sebastian Botta, was on the support cost modelling of monolithic structural components. The second part, presented by Mr. Philip Hensley, was about the logistic footprint (weight and volume of a spare). Download
The Use of the PRICE Models as Decision Aiding Tools at CNES
By Didier Delrieu, CNES and Didier Barrault, PRICE Systems-France
This paper discusses how the PRICE Models can help the CNES decision makers. The presentation started with a description of CNES, the French Space Agency, and its mission and activities, including Cost Engineering. At concept phase of a project, the space mission studies are carried out by the PASO (Architecture Platform of Orbital Systems), with the goal of defining the most affordable system through trade-off analyses which require reliable cost estimates. The presentation demonstrates a quick comparison of the various configurations and a selection of the most affordable one. Download
Systems Engineering Cost Estimation for Space Systems
By Marilee Wheaton, Aerospace Corporation
This presentation showed us how the System Engineering cost issue is addressed through the integration of Cosysmo and TruePlanning®. She started with a presentation of the Aerospace Corporation which is a non-profit organization which helps in the development of space systems. She has been working on the applicability of Cosysmo on space projects, with the goal of delivering a mapping of the WBS. Download
Applying Parametric Cost Modelling to Technology Insertion
By Arthur Griffiths, HVR-Consulting and Dale Shermon, PRICE Systems-UK
This joint presentation gave an interesting and thought provoking viewpoint regarding the application of the PRICE tools to the problem of Technology Insertion. Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Shermon, and Mr. Shamraz Razzaq (PRICE Systems-UK) had studied the application of the PRICE Tools to Technology Insertion in the Technology Insertion Major Program Areas (TIMPA) study http://www.qinetiq.com/home_timpa.html for QinetiQ who were funded by UK's Ministry of Defence. Download
The Evolution of Hardware Estimating
By Arlene Minkiewicz, Chief Scientist, PRICE Systems-USA
This award-winning paper discusses the evolution of hardware estimating by posing and answering the question "How does a model built in the 1970's have to grow to estimate hardware challenges in 2007 and beyond?" This paper had won the Best Hardware Paper 2007 at the International Society of Parametric Analysts (ISPA) conference. Ms. Minkiewicz's paper skilfully presented the challenges for today's cost community and presented solutions to topics such as estimating Systems of Systems, the System Engineering roles, off the shelf integrations, transferring commercial technologies to military platforms, co-mingling technologies of various maturity levels and the oversight and management of complex projects. Download
Utilising Functional Size on Enhancement Projects
By Neslie Morrison, Deputy Project Manager, U.S. Army
The final paper discusses "Utilising Functional Size on Enhancement Projects". This was a stimulating software cost estimating presentation which considered the Program Management Costing Dilemmas in the shape of a consistent methodology and considered the solutions which PRICE Systems provides with True S and the Fast Function Points capability. The paper considered the advantages of Function Points and then the evolution to Fast Function Points. Download
Other Highlights
Meeting New Mandates: TruePlanning®-Based Solutions for GAO Cost Guide Compliance
Bill Mathis, PRICE Systems-USA stated that reliable estimates are necessary to support the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) process and to allow effective assessment of programs by G.A.O. (Government Accountability Office). Bill Mathis reminds us the G.A.O. is a congress agent, and OMB is a president's agent. PRICE anticipated the G.A.O. needs through the TruePlanning tools and methods. One of them is Cost Estimating throughout the project lifecycle, with parametrics used as a sole basis or to cross-check other types of estimates. To meet the G.A.O. guide requirements, the PRICE Systems solutions package is made of the tools, their implementation, and the G.A.O. compliance.
PRICE Systems "International Parametrician of the Year"
The PRICE Systems "International Parametrician of the Year 2007" was awarded to Jan Tano (Saab Aerosystems). Jan has taken the initiate in Saab to introduce the principles of PRICE parametric estimating for a number of years; recently expanding its use by providing training for numerous colleagues in TruePlanning. Jan was also recognised for his role in coordinating the costing aspects of a European Technology Acquisition Programme (ETAP) using PRICE tools. Saab, together with the other major European Aerospace Companies (Alenia Aerospace, BAE SYSTEMS, EADS and Dassault Aviation) all recognise the long term avionics capability needs, identified by their Governments, which will require systems and technologies to be developed and demonstrated jointly to maximise the effect of R&T across Europe. Jan recognised that all the partners in the study used PRICE tools and this provided a common platform around which all parties could discuss costs.
