Cost overruns
Question: The government funded development of a computing machine, but cost overruns of more than ten times the original estimates caused the administration to withdraw in alarm. An oft-repeated story, but who was the developer the first time it happened?
- W. Burroughs
- N. Dodge
- C. Babbage
- G. Boole
Answer: C. Babbage
Charles Babbage allowed the cost of his difference engine to escalate from 1,500 pounds to 17,000 pounds after eight years of government support.
November 23rd, 2008