Project Modeling

A Technique for Estimating Time-Cost-Performance Trade-offs in System Development Projects

E. V. W. Zschau

ResearchPublished 1969

A methodology is outlined for estimating time-cost-performance tradeoffs to help in planning weapon system development projects. Techniques are given for developing a mathematical programming model of the project, solving it, and performing marginal analyses on it to derive the desired tradeoff possibilities. Models are based on the major design equations of the system being developed, the time precedence relationships among the major project activities, and estimates from responsible project personnel of the time and resources needed to do various technical jobs. Information derived from the models should be useful not only in the initial planning stages of a project, but during the actual development work when effective replanning is necessary. Consideration is also given to certain important methodological problems that must be solved to make the project modeling approach operational.

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Zschau, E. V. W., Project Modeling: A Technique for Estimating Time-Cost-Performance Trade-offs in System Development Projects. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1969. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5304.html.
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