"Development of Cost Factors for Satellite Rechargeable Batteries" by Katelyn A. Clements

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Brandon M. Lucas, PhD

Abstract

Factors are often used by the cost estimating profession to predict costs of future projects or project components. Cost factors can be useful when little to no cost data is available from which to build an initial estimate or as an easy-to-use cross check of a primary estimate. Specific to satellites, previous studies have examined cost factors at higher Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) levels (e.g., Level 2 or Level 3), while this research analyzes cost factors developed using data specific to rechargeable batteries at USCM WBS Level 4 and its parent, the Electrical Power System (EPS) at Level 3. Within this research, we sought to identify statistical differences between categories using non-parametric methods. No statistical differences were found for NR cost factor categories while differences were found with 71% of the T1 cost factor categories. As a result, final NR cost factors for use by estimators were developed using the entire NR dataset while final T1 cost factors were developed using specific subsets of the T1 dataset. This demonstrates that estimators should apply statistical analysis when selecting data for cost estimates.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-114

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Download

Share

COinS