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From: jpope@axion.bt.co.uk (john pope)
Newsgroups: comp.software-eng
Subject: Estimating The Cost Of Analysis/Development from a strategic plan
Keywords: finger in the air
Message-ID: <1991May22.082916@axion.bt.co.uk>
Date: 22 May 91 07:29:16 GMT
Sender: news@axion.bt.co.uk
Reply-To: jpope@axion.bt.co.uk (john pope)
Organization: British Telecom Research Labs
Lines: 30


We are looking into the problem of estimating the cost of system analysis/development when the only basis you have for estimating is a strategic plan.

This particular problem has been identified from some work using Information Engineering (as per James Martin, Arthur Young MC, Ernst & Young MC etc.) although I understand that the problem exists for any type of strategic planning.

In essence, you have a vision of areas for further study (collections of business processes and information needs) prioritised by business goals. You may have a view of the technology you wish to use and the development methods BUT you don't yet know the systems you wish to implement. Saying that though, there seem to be a general set of things which appear eg financial control systems etc. There are, however other novel systems which may give a particular business a strategic edge over its competitors (th















e whole purpose of the exercise in the first place) and for which no previous analysis/development experience exists.

These areas of further study will be analysed to identify information systems which will then be developed in a coordinated fashion.

So, how do estimate (1) the cost of the further analysis, (2) the cost of the subsequent development.

If you have any ideas/references, I will be happy to post a digest along with any constructive comments we might think appropriate.

Thank you for your attention.

John Pope


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