Information Systems Software Cost Estimating: A Current Assessment
对112家组织的信息系统经理和专业人员调查发现，仅四分之一项目在预算内完成，需求变更是估算不准的主因；使用复杂估算软件反而更易超支，而让估算者参与开发、严格监控项目、将估算准确度纳入绩效评估则有助于提高准确性。
A study of information systems managers and other information systems professionals at 112 different organizations confirmed that information systems software cost estimating is an important concern. Subjects reported the completion of only one of every four systems development projects within their estimates. According to them, the major cause of inaccurate estimates was changes in user requirements. Organizations using sophisticated cost estimating software packages were less successful at preventing large cost overruns than organizations not using them. However, the use of the estimator as system developer, the careful monitoring of systems development projects, and the inclusion in performance evaluations of success in meeting estimates were associated with more accurate cost estimating.