2. When developing any kind of information system, why is it significant to define specific performance and cost measures early in the process?

Defining specific performance and cost measures early in the process is significant for several reasons:

1. Goal-setting: By establishing clear performance and cost measures from the outset, project stakeholders can align on the desired outcomes and objectives for the system. This ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals and helps to prevent scope creep and changes in project direction.

2. Accountability: Setting specific metrics allows for accountability throughout the development process. Team members can track progress against these measures and make adjustments as needed to stay on track and meet project goals.

3. Resource allocation: Defining cost measures early on helps to allocate resources effectively and efficiently. By understanding the budget constraints and cost implications, project managers can make informed decisions about priorities, investments, and resource allocation.

4. Benchmarking: Performance measures provide a baseline for evaluating the success of the information system once it is implemented. By comparing actual performance against initial measures, organizations can identify areas for improvement and measure the ROI of the system.

5. Continuous improvement: Having specific performance and cost measures in place allows for continuous monitoring and improvement of the information system. By tracking progress and evaluating outcomes, organizations can identify opportunities for optimization and enhance the overall effectiveness of the system.