This thesis explores three topics in the field of cost estimation for Unmanned Autonomous Systems. First, we propose a common definition of an Unmanned Autonomous System. We accomplish this through exhausting the literature in the areas cost estimation, autonomy in its current form, and how such advanced systems might be integrated into their environment. Second, we introduce a method to estimate the cost of Unmanned Autonomous Systems utilizing existing parametric cost estimation tools: SEER–HDR, COCOMO II, COSYSMO, and two cost estimating relationships–weight and performance. This discussion is guided by focusing on how current tools attempt to account for emergent systems. We also attempt to address challenges surrounding autonomy. To address these challenges from a cost perspective, this thesis recommends modifications to parameters within COCOMO II–via the use of object-oriented function points in lieu of current methods, and COSYSMO–via the introduction of two cost drivers namely, TVED and HRI-T. Third, we conduct analysis on four current Army Unmanned Autonomous Systems in an attempt to establish early trends within existing estimates. Finally, we explore areas of further research and discuss the implications of how pursing a more adequate cost model will lead to a better understanding of this ill-defined paradigm. *This material is based upon work supported by the Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Program under Grant No. N00244-15-1-0008. The views expressed in written materials or publications, and/or made by speakers, moderators, and presenters, do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Naval Postgraduate School nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether home health care is a better choice of care from an economic and quality of care perspective than conventional care for people over 65. To answer this, the costs for the two care models were estimated using parametric cost estimation. The quality of care and the cost were evaluated with the "Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process" to determine which of the care models was the best fit. The cost estimate showed that conventional care is cheaper than home care. However, a sensitivity analysis shows that a minimal efficiency in the number of home visits per patient is sufficient for home health care to become the most advantageous alternative from an economic point of view. In addition, a sensitivity analysis also shows that home health care is preferable in five cases out of six, when the weights obtained from the "Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process" are varied. In this preference system, both the cost and the characteristics that make up quality of care are weighted to be summed up to a comprehensive list of priorities of the two care options. Main process maps of the two care models were made to help find significant cost parameters for the two care models. The preparation of the main process maps was done by studying similar process maps to compile two complete overall process maps. However, no significant cost parameters were found when studying the process maps, but they are still included in the study to show the reader an overall difference between the two models. The study shows that home health care is usually more expensive than on-site care, but that home health care is, from a quality point of view, preferable to conventional care. / Studiens mål var att utvärdera om hemsjukvård är ett bättre vårdval ur ekonomisk- och vårdkvalitets synpunkt än konventionell vård för personer över 65. För att besvara detta uppskattades kostnaderna för de båda vårdmodellerna med hjälp av parametrisk kostnadsuppskattning. Vårdkvaliteten samt kostnaden utvärderades med ”Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process” för att avgöra vilken av vårdmodellerna som lämpade sig bäst. Kostnadsestimeringen visade på att konventionell vård är billigare än hemsjukvård. Dock påvisar en känslighetsanalys på att en minimal effektivisering för antalet hembesök per patient är tillräckligt för att hemsjukvården ska övergå till att vara det mest fördelaktiga alternativet ur ekonomisk synpunkt. Utöver detta visar en känslighetsanalys dessutom på att hemsjukvård är att preferera i fem fall utav sex, när de framtagna vikterna från ”Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process” varieras. I detta preferenssystem viktas både kostnaden samt egenskaperna som utgör vårdkvalitet för att summeras till en övergripande allomfattande prioriteringslista av de båda vårdalternativen.  Huvudprocesskartor över de båda vårdmodellerna framställdes för att hitta betydliga kostnadsparametrar för de båda vårdmodellerna. Framställningen av huvudprocesskartorna utfördes genom att studera likande processkartor för att sammanställa två fullständiga övergripande processkartor. Dock hittades inga betydliga kostnadsparametrar när processkartorna studerades, men finns ändå med i studien för att visa läsaren en övergriplig skillnad mellan de två modellerna. Studien visar på att hemsjukvård vanligtvis är dyrare än vård på plats, men att hemsjukvård ur kvalitetssynpunkt är att föredra framför konventionell vård.