On Verification and Validation of Complex Cost Models
Ponzio, P.
EADS Astrium

The parametric cost model Verification and Validation (V&V) process may involve a series of activities and tasks that are selected to address the particular needs of the application, to feedback the model development and to contribute to the confidence we will be giving to its results. What tasks are selected and what techniques are chosen to accomplish them depends upon a number of factors, such as

  • Amounts estimated
  • Use of the tool
  • Criticality of the model in the costing process
  • Availability of alternative tools
  • Objectives and requirements and their acceptability criteria
  • Risks and priorities
  • Data availability and its quality
  • Constraints (time, money, personnel, tools)

    Conducting an effective V&V effort is extremely important for the successful development of complex cost models and for resolution of complex problems. How much to test or when to stop testing depends on the requirements of the application or the problems involved. In general, the V&V effort should continue until the user obtains sufficient confidence in the credibility and acceptability of the simulation results.

    This paper wants to describe some V&V approaches and to highlight the major problems that may be encountered; it finally aims at giving some practical guidelines for the acceptance of complex cost models.