Which of the following includes all costs associated with a system?

The correct answer is the option that encompasses all costs associated with a system throughout its entire existence. Life cycle costs refer to the total costs incurred from the conception, development, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposal of a system. This comprehensive view includes not only the initial development costs but also ongoing operational and maintenance costs, which can often represent a significant portion of a system's total expenses.

While development costs focus solely on the expenses related to creating the system, operational costs cover only the expenses incurred during the system's active use. Initial investment refers only to the upfront costs involved in getting a system operational. In contrast, life cycle costs provide a holistic perspective, ensuring that all phases of the system's existence are accounted for, which is essential for effective systems engineering and decision-making. This broad perspective aligns with best practices in systems thinking, where understanding the complete cost picture is vital for sustainability and budgeting over a system's lifespan.