Author

Joseph Zobler

Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Cost Analysis

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Michael J. Brown, PhD

Abstract

Accurate cost and schedule estimates are crucial for maintaining the U.S. military’s technological and operational superiority, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely development of advanced defense systems. This research examines S-curve models for time-phasing non-recurring Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) expenditures in missile and munition acquisition programs. This research evaluates the commonly used 60/40 rule, which assumes 60% of expenditures occur by 50% of the schedule, for its accuracy using Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE) and Earned Value Management Central Repository (EVM-CR) data from 21 missile and munition development programs.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-077

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

This work is marked Distribution A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0346

Share

COinS