sample cost/benefit analysis of adding human factors tasks to a software development project adapted...
TRANSCRIPT
Sample Cost/Benefit Analysis of adding Human Factors Tasks to a
Software Development Project
Adapted from: Mantei, Marilyn M. and Teorey, Toby J., “ Cost/Benefit for Incorporating Human factors in the Software lifecycle”, ACM Communications, April 1988, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp 428-439
Cost 1. Human factors Lab Set Up
Lab design and
equipment selection: 160 hrs @ $35/hour $5,600
Carpenters and electricians 80 hrs @ $25/hour $2,000
Video cameras, VCRs, one way mirror $12,400
TOTAL : $20,000
Cost 2. User Interviews
10 interviews for 1 hour @ $25/hour $ 250
Interviewer @ $35/hour:
16 hours designing interview
10 hours conducting interview
28 hours analysis results $ 1,890
3 support staff @ 5 hours each @ $15/hour $ 225
Videotapes: $ 60
TOTAL: $ 2,425
Cost 3. User Surveys / Questionnaires
Development of survey: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Pilot testing: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Distribution and collection: 20 hrs @ $15/hr $ 300
Responding: 80 users for ½ hr @ $25/hour $1,000
Coding and entering data: 20 hrs @ $35/hour $ 100
Analyzing results: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Computer time $ 100
Supplies and duplicating costs $ 100
TOTAL: $6,000
Cost 4. Usage Study, Simulation or Prototype test
Development of survey: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Pilot testing: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Running Test: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Subjects: 10 @ 2 hrs @ $25/hour $ 500
Analyzing results: 40 hrs @ $35/hour $1,400
Videotapes: $ 120
TOTAL: $6,220
Cost 5. Style Guide
Author: 240 hrs @ $35/hour $8,400
Committee: 4 @60 hours @ $35/hour $8,400
TOTAL: $16,800
Cost 6. Purchasing of UIMS
Reviewing packages: 160 hrs @ $35/hour $5,600
Cost of average package: $10,000
TOTAL: $15,600
Cost 7. Prototype Construction ( does not include design )
Screen Layouts: 80 hours @ $35/hour $2,800
Screen Transitions: 80 hours @ $35/hours $2,800
TOTAL: $5,600
Cost 8. Prototype Change in Response To Testing
Screen Layouts: 4 hours @ $35/hour $140
Screen Transitions: 4 hours @ $35/hours $140
TOTAL: $280
Benefit 1. Decreased Training
Typical 1 week training course reduced by 25% or
10 hours 250 users
Hourly rate of $25
250 employees * 10 hours * $25 = $62,500 in first yr
TOTAL: $62,500
Benefit 2. Decreased Errors
250 Users
1.5 errors eliminated per user per day
230 work days per year
2 minutes in recovery time per error
Hourly rate of $25
250 Users * 1.5 errors * 230 days * $0.833/error = $71,846 per year
TOTAL: $71,846
Benefit 3. Increased productivity
250 Users
60 screens per day
230 days per year
Processing time per screen reduced by 1 second
Hourly rate of $25
250 Users * 60 Screens * 230 days * 1/3600 hrs * $25
= $23,958 per yr
TOTAL: $23,958
Benefit 4. Decreased Late Design Changes
Changes made early cost ¼ of changes made after implementation
20 changes made early
1 day per change
Hourly rate of $35
Early change cost = 20 changes * 8 hrs * $35 = $5,600
Late Change cost = 4 * early change cost = $5,600
Savings = Late change cost – early change cost = 16,800
in first yr
TOTAL: $16,800
Conclusions
• Costs = 20,000 + 2,425 + 6,000 + 6,220 + 16,800 + 15,600 + 5,600 + 280 = $72,925
• Benefits = 62,500 + 71,846 + 23,958 + 16,800 = $ 175,104
Savings of 102,179