1.1 COSYSMO: A Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model Coming of Age

Abstract Building on the synergy between Systems Engineering and Software Engineering, the Center for Software Engineering (CSE) at the University of Southern California (USC), is in the process of developing a parametric model to estimate Systems Engineering costs. The goal of this model, called COSYSMO ( Co nstructive Sys tems Engineering Cost Mo del), is to more accurately estimate the time and effort associated with performing the system engineering tasks defined by ISO/IEC 15288. This paper outlines the work accomplished thus far by USC, in collaboration with its Corporate Affiliates and the INCOSE Measurement Working Group, to develop the initial version of COSYSMO. This paper describes the development of the model, explains both its size and cost drivers, and outlines future steps that need to be taken to guarantee COSYSMO's successful adoption by the Systems Engineering community.