ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The basis of all political systems is retention of power for those in office. This is true for democratic, representative, royal and autocratic systems. Public perception of service to the public at large, or at least those with influence, enhances this goal in the political system. Because people tend to value immediate returns, the concept of optimal design selection based on life cycle cost analysis is fundamentally at odds, therefore, with political systems. Instead, producing the most immediate benefit for the least cost is a natural inclination for those with political power when designing public infrastructure such as bridges, transportation and other networks. To some extent, the same is true in the private sector, where the customer desires the highest immediate return for investment. Recognizing this conflict and developing procedures to enhance the acceptability of life cycle costing will result in increased acceptance and use of this clearly optimal method for society.
