TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jun 1, 1987

Enough Scope Yields Better Estimates

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 113, Issue 2

Abstract

Cost predictions which are lower than the budget of the actual built project are routinely labeled bad estimates. However, the large majority of cost growth derives from scope growth. Much of this scope growth is frivolous. Recommendations are made as to how this common problem might be minimized, and frequent agents that contribute to cost growth are identified and examined. Economic consequences of such waste are considered. An argument is made for the early development of realistic scope statements, in order that more accurate estimates may be made, and unexpected waste and overruns may be avoided.

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References

1.
Birrell, George S., “Construction Cost Estimating in the Design Process,” Journal of the Construction Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. 4, Dec., 1980, pp. 551–566.
2.
Bodilly, S., Horvath, R., and Lieber, M., “The Formation of Pioneer Plant Projects in Chemical Processing Firms,” Rand Report for Department of Energy, Aug., 1981.
3.
Cowie, Gordon F., “Incentive Contracts Would Greatly Boost Construction‐Industry Efficiency,” Civil Engineering, ASCE, Essay Contest winner, Vol. 51, No. 5, May, 1981, pp. 72–73.
4.
Crandall, Gordon F., “Owner Control Obligations on Mega‐Projects,” Current Practice in Cost Estimating and Cost Control, ASCE, New York, N.Y., 1983, pp. 216–223.
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MacCabe, William O., “Project Scope Definition for Process Plants,” a paper presented at the Pittsburg Section of AACE, Oct., 1964, and reprinted in AACE's Cost Engineers Notebook.
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Merrow, Edward W., Chapel, Stephen W., and Worthing, Christopher, “A Review of Cost Estimation in New Technologies,” Rand Corporation Report R‐2481‐DOE, Jul., 1979.
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Milliken, John O., Ponder, Thomas C., Jr., Spessard, John E., and Harvey Cynthia M., “Simplified Estimating Methods for New Technologies,” Current Practice in Cost Estimating and Cost Control, ASCE, New York, N.Y., 1983, pp. 30–44.
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Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 113Issue 2June 1987
Pages: 315 - 320

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Published online: Jun 1, 1987
Published in print: Jun 1987

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Gordon F. Cowie, M. ASCE
Proj. Engr., Murphy & Assoc., 94 Cumberland St., Ste. 804, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 1A3

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