No! >>> someone at the top needs to see if the company can invest that much money and for how long, which requires some numeric value attached to a project. S

No! >>> someone at the top needs to see if the company can invest that much money and for how long, which requires some numeric value attached to a project. Software is an enabler. It's still blowing up the world. Almost all new projects are "build a new capability we don't currently have". Can you fire lasers from the backs of sharks? No then do this shark-laser project and you can. The actual cost is kinda irrelevant - either laser sharks are awesome for your business or not. Cost control in software development is not an issue of estimation and project management - that's for ditch digging. Cost control in software is about iterative development, early surfacing and engagement, it's about small teams well lead and left alone. Want integration - build an integration environment and a dashboard with tests on it - dont build a gannt chart. I think I need to get something off my chest