What does increasing SE effort do to cost overruns according to the provided information?

Increasing systems engineering (SE) effort has a positive impact on cost overruns, resulting in a decrease. This is primarily because enhanced SE processes lead to better planning, more effective requirements management, and a clearer understanding of project scope and risks. When SE efforts are prioritized and adequately resourced, it helps in identifying potential issues early in the project lifecycle, facilitating timely resolutions and more efficient use of resources.

Effective systems engineering practices contribute to greater stakeholder alignment and reduce the likelihood of rework or miscommunication, which are common contributors to cost overruns. By investing more effort in SE, organizations can allocate resources strategically, ensuring that potential problems are anticipated and mitigated before they escalate, ultimately leading to a more efficient project execution and cost management.

The other options don't align with the understanding that increased SE effort generally leads to improved project outcomes concerning cost management and reductions in overruns.