Posted by The Evolution of Hardware Estimating
Earned Value Management & Hardware Track
Downloadable Files:
EVM&HW-8 Minkiewicz Paper Revision Hardware evolution
Abstract:
Just as Nintendo evolves gaming and Apple innovates telecommunications, PRICE Systems examines how hardware estimation evolves as technology improves at breakneck speeds. This paper presents the findings of a study on the impacts of improving technology on the development and delivery of hardware and hardware systems.
Starting with the question: “How does a model built in the 1970’s have to grow to estimate hardware challenges in 2007 and beyond?”, this paper presents the lessons learned while advancing hardware estimation into the future. Technology trends, obsolescence, systems engineering, modification and integration of Commercial off the Shelf components, and integration and test are among the topics discussed.
Author:
Arlene Minkiewicz
Ms. Minkiewicz leads the Cost Research Department as Chief Scientist at PRICE Systems. In this role, she is responsible for the research and analysis necessary to keep the suite of PRICE Estimating products responsive to current cost trends. She works with industry leaders to collect and maintain cost research data and offers analyses of this data to the cost estimating community through the PRICE products.
Arlene’s most recent accomplishments include the development of a catalog of cost estimating relationships for hardware and systems projects that will be delivered to the cost estimating community as part of the TruePlanning suite. Her recent research into cost challenges of Systems of Systems has been published in Crosstalk (May 2006) and has resulted in an invitation to participate with the Software Intensive Systems Acquisition Improvement Group, a tri-lateral (US,UK,Aus) working group formed by the defense agencies of the three countries, as they grappled with System of Systems cost issues.
Arlene frequently publishes articles on estimation and measurement in publications such as Software Development Magazine and Crosstalk. She has also been a contributing author for several books on software measurement and activity based budgeting. She speaks frequently on these topics at conference such as STC, ISPA, SCEA, IEEE Aerospace Conference, SEPG, and many others. Her ‘The Real Costs of COTS-Based Software Systems’ paper was recognized in 2004 by ISPA and SCEA as Best Paper in the Software Track. Her paper “A Case Study and Assessment of a COTS Upgrade for a Satellite Ground System”, co-authored by Marilee Wheaton of the Aerospace Corporation, received Best Paper in Software Track in 2006 by SCEA.