What are the strengths of the Parametric Approach?

• A. Requires Extensive Subjectivity
• B. Time-Consuming and Costly
• C. Uses CER, Easy to Do What-If Drills, Inexpensive
• D. Limited Applicability to Modern Systems

Answer: (C)

Parametric estimation uses cost estimating relationships (CERs) that link cost to one or more measurable drivers, so you can generate rough, repeatable estimates quickly without building a detailed bottom-up model. This is why it’s advantageous: CERs provide a straightforward way to estimate costs, what-if drills are easy to run by tweaking the drivers to see how costs respond, and the approach is inexpensive because it requires less detailed data and labor than more granular methods. These strengths make it especially useful for early planning and quick comparisons. The other options describe limitations or workflows that are more characteristic of other methods, not the strengths of the parametric approach.