Presents an accessible approach to the cost estimation tools, concepts, and techniques needed to support analytical and cost decisions Written with an easy-to-understand approach, Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools provides comprehensive coverage of the quantitative techniques needed by professional cost estimators and for those wanting to learn about this vibrant career field. Featuring the underlying mathematical and analytical principles of cost estimation, the book focuses on the tools and methods used to predict the research and development, production, and operating and support costs for successful cost estimation in industrial, business, and manufacturing processes. The book begins with a detailed historical perspective and key terms of the cost estimating field in order to develop the necessary background prior to implementing the presented quantitative methods. The book proceeds to fundamental cost estimation methods utilized in the field of cost estimation, including working with inflation indices, regression analysis, learning curves, analogies, cost factors, and wrap rates. With a step-by-step introduction to the practicality of cost estimation and the available resources for obtaining relevant data, Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools also features: Various cost estimating tools, concepts, and techniques needed to support business decisions Multiple questions at the end of each chapter to help readers obtain a deeper understanding of the discussed methods and techniques An overview of the software used in cost estimation, as well as an introduction to the application of risk and uncertainty analysis A Foreword from Dr. Douglas A. Brook, a professor in the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy at the Naval Postgraduate School, who spent many years working in the Department of Defense acquisition environment Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools is an excellent reference for academics and practitioners in decision science, operations research, operations management, business, and systems and industrial engineering, as well as a useful guide in support of professional cost estimation training and certification courses for practitioners. The book is also appropriate for graduate-level courses in operations research, operations management, engineering economics, and manufacturing and/or production processes.

Improve the accuracy of project estimates and make better in-progress modifications by following the discipline-independent approach mapped out in this book. Learn the best ways to apply new tools, including a breakdown structure for both work and resources and proven estimating models. In addition, you'll gain insights into best practices for progress monitoring and cost management, as well as for dealing effectively with external projects.

From the Book - Preface:This manual has been compiled to provide time frames, labor crews and equipment spreads to assist the estimator in capsulizing an estimate for the installation of cross-country pipelines, marshland pipelines, nearshore and surf zone pipelines, submerged pipelines, wharfs, jetties, dock facilities, single-point morring terminals, offshore drilling and production platforms and equipment and appurtenances installed thereon. The time frames and labor and equipment spreads which appear throughout this manual are the result of many time and method studies conducted under varied conditions and at locations throughout the world; these time frames and labor and equipment spreads reflect a complete, unbiased view of all operations involved. When one is engaged in compiling an estimate from any information furnished by others, as is the case with this manual, he should view it in an objective light, giving due consideration to the nature of the project at hand and evaluating all items that may affect the productivity of labor and all other elements involved.

The definitive guide to measurement and estimating using NRM1, written by the author of NRM1 The 'RICS New rules of measurement: Order of cost estimating and cost planning of capital building works' (referred to as NRM1) is the cornerstone of good cost management of capital building works projects - enabling more effective and accurate cost advice to be given to clients and other project team members, while facilitating better cost control. The NRM1 Cost Management Handbook is the essential guide to how to successfully interpret and apply these rules, including explanations of how to: quantify building works and prepare order of cost estimates and cost plans use the rules as a toolkit for risk management and procurement analyse actual costs for the purpose of collecting benchmark data and preparing cost analyses capture historical cost data for future order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans employ the rules to aid communication manage the complete 'cost management cycle' use the elemental breakdown and cost structures, together with the coding system developed for NRM1, to effectively integrate cost management with Building Information Modelling (BIM). In the NRM1 Cost Management Handbook, David Benge explains in clear terms how NRM1 is meant to be used in familiar quantity surveying tasks, as well as a range of activities of crucial importance for professionals in years to come. Worked examples, flow charts, diagrams, templates and check lists ensure readers of all levels will become confident and competent in the use of NRM1. This book is essential reading for anyone working with NRM1, and is the most authoritative guide to practice available for those preparing to join the industry.

Almost every software project begins with the utterances, “What will this cost?” and “When will this project be done?” Once those words are spoken, project stakeholders begin to wrestle with how to produce an estimate. Accurately estimating the cost or time to complete a software project is a serious problem for many software engineers, developers and project managers who struggle with costs running double original estimates, putting their careers at risk. It is reported that nearly 50% of all software projects are shelved and that one of the major causes is poor estimation practices. If developing software for internal use, poor estimates can represent a significant drain on corporate profits. Worldwide growth in the number of companies specializing in the development of software for use by other companies is staggering. India alone has nearly 20,000 such companies. Intense competition has led to an increased demand for fixed-bid pricing in client/vendor relationships, and has made effective cost estimation even more important and, in many cases, critical to a firm's survival. There are many methods of estimation. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, proponents and opponents. Knowing how and which one to use on a given project is key to developing acceptable estimates for either internal or external projects.Software Estimation Best Practices, Tools, & Techniques covers all facets of software estimation. It provides a detailed explanation of the various methods for estimating software size, development effort, cost, and schedule, including a comprehensive explanation of Test Effort Estimation. Emphasizing that software estimation should be based on a well-defined process, it presents software estimation best practices and shows how to avoid common pitfalls. This guide offers direction on which methods are most appropriate for each of the different project types commonly executed in the software development space and criteria for selecting software estimation tools. This comprehensive desk reference explains software estimation from scratch to help the beginner and features advanced techniques for more experienced estimators. It details project scheduling, including resource leveling and the concept of productivity, as applicable to software estimators, demonstrating the many benefits of moving from the current macro-productivity approach to a micro-productivity approach in software estimation. Software Estimation Best Practices, Tools, & Techniques: A Complete Guide for Software Project Estimators caters to the needs of all software project stakeholders, from novice to expert. It provides the valuable guidance needed to estimate the cost and time required to complete software projects within a reasonable margin of error for effective software development.

NOTE TO THE READER: All forms and material that were previously on a CD-ROM that accompanied this book have been moved to the following web site: http://booksupport.wiley.com Tested-and-proven techniques for quick, accurate estimates Here is the first manual that guides engineers, planners, and contractors through the process of estimating the cost of building water treatment facilities. Based on more than eighty years of the two authors' collective experience, the Cost Estimating Manual for Water Treatment Facilities not only enables you to arrive at a dependable estimate, it shows you how to do it quickly with a minimum of information and supporting data. In order to ensure reliability, the authors have compiled and analyzed the results from their own construction cost estimates for more than 500 projects as well as the results from many other engineers and contractors. The manual identifies forty-three treatment processes, nine types of water treatment plants, plus five additional types of advanced water treatment plants. The authors then demonstrate how to calculate costs for each element, accounting for needed mark-ups and allowances in order to arrive at the total plant construction cost. To help you make your own estimates, the manual provides: Examples of cost estimates for different water treatment processes Historical data from several public agencies Sample tables for 10 mgd and 100 mgd product water flow rates for each type of treatment plant Website access with Excel spreadsheets that enable you to perform estimates using your own data Now that the Cost Estimating Manual for Water Treatment Facilities is available, you no longer have to rely on hunches and anecdotal information; you have a proven, scientific method that leads to reliable estimates.