Accession Number:

ADA048206

Title:

An Application of Cost-Benefit Analysis to the USMC Program Objectives Memorandum (POM).

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

DECISIONS AND DESIGNS INC MCLEAN VA

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1977-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

51.0

Abstract:

This report describes the work done in collaboration with the United States Marine Corps, on the development of a methodology to improve the 1979 Program Objectives Memorandum POM process. The generic approach chosen was cost-benefit analysis. The goal of cost-benefit analysis is to identify, for subsequent funding, those programs that optimize the total benefit to a decision maker within his budget constraints. The identification of optimal procurements is based upon determination of the true costs and benefits of each program. True or absolute costs and benefits are often very difficult to determine because subjective estimates must be made, and because some of the less-than-obvious costs andor benefits may be overlooked. The programs involved in this analysis were all future capability items in the procurement appropriation. DDIs efforts were focused on obtaining good subjective estimates of the relative benefits for each of these programs. Psychologists and decision analysts have observed that the best way to obtain accurate quantifications of this sort is to use paried comparisons, that is, to ask the expert to make a series of choices between two packages of programs, each choice having certain implications about the benefits of the programs.

Subject Categories:

  • Economics and Cost Analysis
  • Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE