Posted by 13 Reasons a Cost Estimate Could Go Wrong During a Concurrent Engineering Study (and How to Avoid Them)
From the Journal of Cost Analysis and Parametrics: Volume 10 | Issue 1 | October 2021
Downloadable File: JCAPv10i1-13ReasonsCostEstimateGoWrong-Braukhane
Abstract: During early phase spacecraft design, the concurrent engineering (CE) approach is proven to be very efficient. But the compressed and iterative nature of CE sessions can make life difficult for a cost estimator due to immature data, many design changes, and an intense workflow, among other issues. This work discusses 13 problem areas that have been encountered or observed mainly during one-week-long, interdisciplinary space system design studies at the German Aerospace Center. It provides practical examples on how to tackle them, e.g. how to deal with rapid data changes, false expectations and a heterogeneous engineering team.
Author: Andy Braukhane is a Systems and Cost Engineer at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Concurrent Engineering Facility and Space System Analysis department. He holds degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Space Systems Engineering. Since 2007, Andy is working on early phase mission design. He worked in project management roles, as an engineer and the last years mainly as cost estimator, often within a Concurrent Engineering environment. Furthermore, he is interested in human factors and engineering process improvements.