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Articles 91 - 120 of 131
Full-Text Articles in Finance and Financial Management
Relating Initial Budget To Program Growth With Rayleigh And Weibull Models, Eric J. Unger
Relating Initial Budget To Program Growth With Rayleigh And Weibull Models, Eric J. Unger
Theses and Dissertations
Previous research on completed defense R&D shows that contract expenditures can be fit well with a Rayleigh model. With fixed outlay rates, as prescribed by the OSD comptroller, the budget profile must have most of the funds in the early years to produce Rayleigh-distributed expenditures. R&D programs with more delayed funding profiles may also produce expenditures that a Rayleigh model fits through schedule slips and cost overruns. This research tests how well the initial funding profile produces Rayleigh-distributed expenditures that can be related to the program's final cost overrun and schedule slips. Based only on the initial budget profile, we …
Dollarizing Qualitative Discriminators Used In Best Value Source Selections, Jason R. Borchers
Dollarizing Qualitative Discriminators Used In Best Value Source Selections, Jason R. Borchers
Theses and Dissertations
With the decreasing budget that gets allocated to the Department of Defense each year, the government needs to be able to acquire more with less. This has a direct impact on how source selections are conducted. This research proposes a method using four different levels of cost that will provide the government with the best overall value in the conduction of source selections. This differs from previous source selections, because source selection teams, in general, only considered proposal price in their evaluation.
The Development Of Laser Cost Estimating Relationships (Cers) From Commercial Data, Michael J. Nolette, Steven L. Seeley
The Development Of Laser Cost Estimating Relationships (Cers) From Commercial Data, Michael J. Nolette, Steven L. Seeley
Theses and Dissertations
The Post Cold War acquisition environment has been marked by significant budget reductions and the greater use of commercial practices. In this austere and rapidly changing acquisition environment, accurate cost estimates are paramount to maximize the use of the DoD's critical resources. The advancement of laser technology has spawned a large variety of military laser applications such as the Airborne Laser (ABL), Space Based Laser (SBL) and a host of other smaller programs. Furthermore, the Air Force Laboratory's Directed Energy Applications for Tactical Airborne Combat (DEATAC) Study (the sponsoring activity of this thesis research) is considering a host of airborne …
The Adequacy Of The Fourteen General Systems Characteristics As Function Point Adjustment Factors, Michael D. Prater, Joseph C. Willoughby
The Adequacy Of The Fourteen General Systems Characteristics As Function Point Adjustment Factors, Michael D. Prater, Joseph C. Willoughby
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to assess the perceived adequacy of the 14 general systems characteristics (GSCs) in deriving a value adjustment factor (VAF) for calculating final function point counts. Two self-administered surveys were used to collect data. Based on the survey results, it is clear that the 14 GSCs currently do not adequately represent the applications complexity required to adjust function point counts. The current GSCs remain controversial and while this research can not conclusively state that one factor is more accurate than any other, it is evident that certain GSCs are perceived to he more useful for …
Implementation Of An Activity-Based Costing System In An Air Force Laboratory Environment, Jayson M. Wrona, Martin Memminger
Implementation Of An Activity-Based Costing System In An Air Force Laboratory Environment, Jayson M. Wrona, Martin Memminger
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the initial implementation of an Activity Based Costing (ABC) system within the United States Air Force's Research Laboratories (AFRL). We were attempting to ascertain what the initial purposes for implementing ABC within AFRL were, then determine whether or not those goals were being attained. We also attempted to evaluate the current system's appropriateness for achieving those initial purposes. Finally, we provide suggested changes to the model and areas for future research. We noted problems with AFRL's current ABC system. We were able to condense the problem into two main categories. First, when …
The Impact Of The Packard Commission's Recommendations On Reducing Cost Overruns On Defense Acquisition Contracts, David S. Christensen, David A. Searle, Caisse Vickery
The Impact Of The Packard Commission's Recommendations On Reducing Cost Overruns On Defense Acquisition Contracts, David S. Christensen, David A. Searle, Caisse Vickery
Faculty Publications
Using data from selected acquisition reports, Drezner et al. (1993) show that reform initiatives from 1960 to 1990 did not reduce cost growth on 197 defense programs. The average cost growth on these programs was 20 percent and did not change significantly for 30 years. Using data from the Defense Acquisition Executive Summary data base, we show a similar result. Initiatives based on the recommendations of the Packard Commission did not reduce the average cost overrun percent experienced on 269 completed defense acquisition contracts evaluated over an 8-year period (1988 through 1995). In fact, the cost performance experienced on development …
Software Support Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of Model Content And Parameter Sensitivity, Kevin L. Brummert, Philip R. Mischler Jr.
Software Support Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of Model Content And Parameter Sensitivity, Kevin L. Brummert, Philip R. Mischler Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This research entailed a comparison of five software estimating models: PRICE-S, SEER-SEM, SoftCost-OO, SoftEst, and SPR KnowledgePLAN. The objective was to research the differences of the software models as related to software support cost. The following major question areas were addressed: (1) How do the differences between the models impact the resulting cost estimates? (2) To what degree can we explain and adjust for the differences between cost models? All items were for flight avionics of a manned aircraft. The differences between the models significantly impact the resulting estimates. Over the five models evaluated, a range of over $60 million …
An Exploratory Study Of The Use Of Parametric Estimating In Department Of Defense Contracting, Patricia Blakely, Rudolph Haynesworth
An Exploratory Study Of The Use Of Parametric Estimating In Department Of Defense Contracting, Patricia Blakely, Rudolph Haynesworth
Theses and Dissertations
An initiative to expand the use of parametric estimating in government contracting has enjoyed only marginal success. Some reasons for the slower pace of implementation are the lack of availability of historical data, training, acquisition rules, utility, and accuracy concerns. Those associated with the Parametric Cost Estimating Initiative (PCEI) have a higher perception of parametric utility and accuracy than those not associated with the initiative. The PCEI advocates using parametric techniques in any situation, not just the concept/development phases advocated by most literature. Parametric estimating is a catch all term for several different types of statistically based methodologies, ranging from …
Generating Needed Modernization Funds: Streamlining The Bureaucracy--Not Outsourcing And Privatizing--Is The Best Solution, Jan P. Muczyk
Generating Needed Modernization Funds: Streamlining The Bureaucracy--Not Outsourcing And Privatizing--Is The Best Solution, Jan P. Muczyk
Faculty Publications
The Department of Defense (DoD) budget, in real dollars, has decreased for a dozen years or so, and will likely continue to do so. Since all the funds necessary for warfighting asset modernization will not come from Congress, DoD must free up existing funds for reallocation to its modernization program. So far, much reliance has been placed on privatization and outsourcing as ways of releasing large sums of money. But it is highly unlikely that these instrumentalities are up to the task, and other sources must shoulder a large part of the load. Although eliminating duplication of mission and roles …
A Vft Approach To Allocation Of Manpower And Budget Cuts, Thomas G. Boushell
A Vft Approach To Allocation Of Manpower And Budget Cuts, Thomas G. Boushell
Theses and Dissertations
The National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC), like many Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian organizations, has been forced to undergo budget and manpower reductions. This year's resource allocation decision requires NAIC to identify both contracts and personnel to be cut. In order to reduce the amount of time and subjectivity involved in this important decision, a resource allocation model was developed to compare different alternatives. This model uses decision analysis with value-focused thinking to quantify the resultant impact of the chosen cuts. The impact was quantified based upon the NAIC Commander's values and preferences, which were used to build a …
Calibration And Validation Of The Cocomo Ii.1997.0 Cost/Schedule Estimating Model To The Space And Missile Systems Center Database, Wayne A. Bernheisel
Calibration And Validation Of The Cocomo Ii.1997.0 Cost/Schedule Estimating Model To The Space And Missile Systems Center Database, Wayne A. Bernheisel
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of COCOMO II.1997.0, a software cost and schedule estimating model, using Magnitude of Relative Error, Mean Magnitude of Relative Error, Relative Root Mean Square, and a 25 percent Prediction Level. Effort estimates were completed using the model in default and in calibrated mode. Calibration was accomplished by dividing four stratified data sets into two random validation and calibration data sets using five times resampling. The accuracy results were poor; the best having an accuracy of only .3332 within 40 percent of the time in calibrated mode. It was found that …
Calibration And Validation Of The Sage Software Cost/Schedule Estimating System To United States Air Force Databases, David B. Marzo
Calibration And Validation Of The Sage Software Cost/Schedule Estimating System To United States Air Force Databases, David B. Marzo
Theses and Dissertations
This research entailed calibration and validation of the SAGE Software Cost/Schedule Estimating System, Version 1.7 as a means to improve estimating accuracy for DoD software-intensive systems, and thereby introduce stability into software system development. SAGE calibration consisted of using historical data from completed projects at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and the Electronic Systems Center (ESC) to derive average performance factors (i.e., calibration factors) for pre-defined categories of projects. A project was categorized for calibration by either its primary application or by the contractor that developed it. The intent was to determine the more appropriate categorization for calibration. …
A Study Of Historical Inflation Forecasts Used In The Department Of Defense Future Years Defense Program, Mark S. Sweitzer
A Study Of Historical Inflation Forecasts Used In The Department Of Defense Future Years Defense Program, Mark S. Sweitzer
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores historical inflation forecasts used in the Department of Defense (DoD) Future Years Defense Program. The study examines historical DoD forecasts against experienced inflation as measured by the Gross National Product and Gross Domestic Product implicit price deflator (GNP/GDP IPD) from 1979 to 1996. This study also compares the accuracy of DoD forecasts with those made by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Data Resources, Incorporated (DRI). The results regarding the performance of historical DoD inflation forecasts are mixed. Upon examining budget through five year GNP/GDP IPD forecast spans, DoD short-term results do not indicate a downward bias …
Tracking Overhead Orta Costs In Technology Transfer Activities, Thomas S. Van Egeren
Tracking Overhead Orta Costs In Technology Transfer Activities, Thomas S. Van Egeren
Theses and Dissertations
An ever shrinking Research and Development (R&D) budget, coupled with a widespread perception that the nation is not realizing an adequate return from its substantial investment in the federal laboratory system, has paved the way for an increase in the transfer of technology from the federal laboratories to the private sector. The objective of this research is to determine the indirect cost of performing technology transfer by identifying the resources consumed by several key Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) organizations and the activities performed within these organizations. It was hypothesized that the ORTA organizations, which are considered indirect …
A Comparative Study And Estimation Of The Life-Cycle Cost Impact Of Application Of Real-Time Non-Intrusive (Rtni) Monitoring Technology To Real-Time Embedded Systems, Michael D. Lewis
Theses and Dissertations
The use of real time non-intrusive (RTNI) monitoring has had an impact on life cycle costs of existing programs through a reduction in debug time. Other areas in which RTNI monitoring can provide potential benefits to future programs are through the use of increased dynamic testing and the sharing of testing time among more engineers. There are a number of areas in which software life cycle costs are impacted by various cost drivers. To determine which areas were affected by the use of RTNI monitoring, a panel of expert users of RTNI monitoring was created using a form of the …
Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv
Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv
Theses and Dissertations
This study tested the hypothesis that defense cost variances reported on the Cost Performance Report are normally distributed. The DOD requires that all defense cost variances which breech a pre-specified threshold be investigated. The present variance investigation model has been criticized because it can prompt frivolous investigations. In theory, statistical models could reduce the number of frivolous investigations, but they are not used because they require too much information about the cost variance, including its distributional form. Often such models assume a normal distribution, but researchers have shown that the models do not work properly if the assumption is fallacious. …
The Design Of A Financial Management Database System, Edward G. Leszynski
The Design Of A Financial Management Database System, Edward G. Leszynski
Theses and Dissertations
This research led to the design and development of a financial management database system for the Aeronautical Systems Center (AS C) Environmental Management (EM) Systems Program Office (SPO), which has the responsibility of managing the environmental contracts for the Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) plants that are owned by the Air Force. This thesis investigated the various 'development strategies' and 'methodologies' described in the Management Information Systems literature in order to devise an end-user development strategy capable of meeting the EM SPO's requirements. In addition, the information requirements, conceptual design and prototyping, and procedures phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) …
An Evaluation Of U.S. Air Force Aviation Fuel Consumption Factors To Accurately Predict Aviation Fuel Costs By Aircraft Mission, Design, And Series, Jodi A. Clayton
An Evaluation Of U.S. Air Force Aviation Fuel Consumption Factors To Accurately Predict Aviation Fuel Costs By Aircraft Mission, Design, And Series, Jodi A. Clayton
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis was to undertake a systematic, scientific study of the accuracy of Air Force published fuel factors to estimate fuel costs at MAJCOM level by mission, design, and series (MDS) since the implementation of the Fuels Automated Management System (FAMS) under the current environment of decentralized aviation fuel (AVFUEL) funding. The research found that, at MAJCOM level, the use of USAF published AVFUEL factors in estimating out-year costs would have overstated costs in both fiscal year (FY) 1994 and FY 1995 by $2.5 M (FY 1994), by $.25 M (FY 1995), and may potentially understate costs …
Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin
Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin
Theses and Dissertations
The magnitude of money involved in the acquisition of defense systems and the public scrutiny resulting from cost overruns and program failures make cost management competence critical to program success. This research examined the cost management competencies required of defense program managers. A cost management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 682 intermediate and senior level military program managers in Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by the 330 respondents indicate that 29 of the 47 competencies in the model were valuable to the program managers. …
Applicability Of An Activity Based Cost System In Government Service Organizations, Robert W. Callahan, Daniel A. Marion
Applicability Of An Activity Based Cost System In Government Service Organizations, Robert W. Callahan, Daniel A. Marion
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on the applicability of Activity-Based Cost (ABC) systems within government service organizations. ABC implementation efforts within other government organizations were first examined to determine what information short caused managers to consider ABC implementation. Next, archival analysis was conducted within the case study organization to determine if the same accounting information shortfalls existed. An ABC system was then implemented within the case study organization. ABC information was compared with information provided by the case study organization's fund accounting system. The case study organization's fund accounting system traced congressional appropriations to categories of expenditures for FY93. The fund accounting …
Cost Overrun Optimism: Fact Or Fiction, David D. Christensen
Cost Overrun Optimism: Fact Or Fiction, David D. Christensen
Faculty Publications
Program managers are advocates by necessity, When taken to the extreme, program advocacy can result in the suppression of adverse information about the status of a program gram. Such was the case in the Navy's A-12 Program. In A-12 Administrative inquiry, Beach (1990) speculates that such abiding cultural problems were not unique to the Navy. To test that assertion, this paper examines cost overrun data on 64 completed acquisition contracts extracted from the Defense Acquisition Executive Summary database. Cost overruns at various contract completion points are compared with projected final cost overruns estimated by contractor and government personnel. 17 comparison …
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Theses and Dissertations
This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …
Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble
Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble
Theses and Dissertations
The increasing cost of Department of Defense acquisitions combined with the shrinking Defense budget puts a premium on continuing the funding of only those programs that are practical and affordable. This emphasizes a need for good methods of monitoring the progress of programs. Current methods of controlling and evaluating cost performance are limited. It is our belief that the generation of S-curves using current Cost and Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) data will provide a mathematical and/or graphical approach to assist in the control of program costs. This thesis attempted to plot the percentage of time for a contract's completion …
An Analysis Of Estimate At Completion Models Utilizing The Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Database, Mark F. Terry, Mary M. Vanderburgh
An Analysis Of Estimate At Completion Models Utilizing The Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Database, Mark F. Terry, Mary M. Vanderburgh
Theses and Dissertations
This study explores the widely held assertion that DOD contract Cost at Completion is bounded below by the Cost Performance Index-based Estimate at Completion (EAC) and above by the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC. Descriptive statistics determined the floor and ceiling for 321 DOD contracts. The results confirmed that the Cost Performance Index-based EAC is a reasonable floor and the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC is a reasonable ceiling for EAC formulas. For the contracts considered overall, on average, the Cost at Completion was not bounded by the floor and ceiling. The range of EAC formulas evaluated tended to slightly underestimate, the …
A Cost Model For Usaf Acquisition Of Commercial Aircraft For Service In The Special Air Mission Fleet, C. Grant Mcvicker Iii, Michael T. Roche
A Cost Model For Usaf Acquisition Of Commercial Aircraft For Service In The Special Air Mission Fleet, C. Grant Mcvicker Iii, Michael T. Roche
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to develop a cost estimating model which would allow cost estimators the ability to quickly and accurately estimate the acquisition of Air Force Special Air Mission fleet aircraft. The literature review revealed studies, government contracts, and trade publications which served as source data. This information was supplemented by interviews with acquisition specialists and contractors and incorporated into a database. Several estimating techniques were created and used to estimate the various cost elements. The Commercial Aircraft Integrated Cost Estimating Tool (CAICET) model was then developed to incorporate the estimating techniques with the database. This was …
A Study Of The Establishment Of Cost And Schedule Variance Thresholds On Department Of Defense Major Program Contracts, Tuan A. Hoang, Steven M. Quick
A Study Of The Establishment Of Cost And Schedule Variance Thresholds On Department Of Defense Major Program Contracts, Tuan A. Hoang, Steven M. Quick
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examined to what extent theoretical threshold models are used to establish cost and schedule variance thresholds on Department of Defense (DoD) major program contracts and identified how these thresholds are actually established. First, numerous theoretical methods for establishing variance threshold including the accounting approach, the statistical process control approach, and the Dyckman and Kaplan models were investigated and assessed. Interviews were then conducted with a sample of DoD and civilian defense contractor personnel who had first-hand knowledge of the establishment of cost and schedule variance thresholds. Findings indicated that none of these methods was being used. Repeatedly, interviewees …
Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez
Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research was to develop an instrument capable of measuring empowerment, and provide recommended general strategies on how to create an empowered organization. This goal was accomplished by developing a pilot questionnaire based on seven dimensions of empowerment discussed in Major Wayne G. Stone's unpublished article Empowerment: Keeping the Promise of the Total Quality Revolution. Each dimension of empowerment was subdivided into measurement parameters, with behavioral statements developed to describe these parameters. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 278 Air Force-related personnel with mainly acquisition-oriented backgrounds. Results indicated six factors of empowerment exist which were translated into …
A Study Of The Development Of Planning, Programming And Budgeting System (Ppbs) In The United States Department Of Defense, Sakir S. Kantik
A Study Of The Development Of Planning, Programming And Budgeting System (Ppbs) In The United States Department Of Defense, Sakir S. Kantik
Theses and Dissertations
Having served as the United States Defense Department (DoD)'s primary resource allocation and decision-making process for more than 30 years, Planning-Programming-Budgeting System (PPBS) has kept going its evolution since it was first introduced in 1961. Accordingly, this study examined the development of PPBS in the U.S. DoD from its beginning to the recent past, that is to 1986, focusing on its basic purposes, how it has been modified and to assess the various expert observations made about the system. As originally conceived, the budget process was divided into three phases: Planning, Programming and Budgeting. The Planning phase was concerned with …
Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro
Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research effort was to develop educational cases that would bridge the gap between the theory and principles of cost estimating currently taught in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Graduate Cost Analysis (GCA) curriculum and the real world of cost estimating in the acquisition arena. To achieve these goals, the following research objectives were investigated (1) Identify cost estimating skills that graduates of the AFIT GCA curriculum are expected to possess. (2) Assess the relative importance of the identified cost estimating skills. (3) Select weapon system scenarios that are relevant, interesting, and facilitate student performance …
Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler
Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis developed a method to bound cost estimates with a prediction interval of costs for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase of the Installation Remediation Program (IRP) process. The prediction interval provides a reasonableness cross check for RI/FS project cost estimates. To develop the cost bounds, three major activities occurred. First, a database was developed from RI/FS projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Second, a regression cost model was developed from the observations in the database. Third, a prediction interval specified at the 70 percent confidence level was derived from the cost model. This prediction interval provides …