University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
MSE 402 | Engineering Project Management
Academic year:

2024
Views:

356

Pages:

27
Author:

Mylie Dominguez

Estimating Project Times and Costs Where We Are Now 5–2 Estimating Projects • Estimating –The process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing project deliverables. –The task of balancing expectations of stakeholders and need for control while the project is implemented. • Types of Estimates –Top-down (macro) estimates: analogy, group consensus, or mathematical relationships –Bottom-up (micro) estimates: estimates of elements of the work breakdown structure 5–3 Why Estimating Time and Cost Are Important • To support good decisions. • To schedule work. • To determine how long the project should take and its cost. • To determine whether the project is worth doing. • To develop cash flow needs. • To determine how well the project is progressing. • To develop time-phased budgets and establish the project baseline. EXHIBIT 5.1 5–4 Factors Influencing the Quality of Estimates Planning Horizon Other (Nonproject) Factors Organization Culture Padding Estimates Project Duration Quality of Estimates People Project Structure and Organization 5–5 Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources 1. Have people familiar with the tasks make the estimate. 2. Use several people to make estimates. 3. Base estimates on normal conditions, efficient methods, and a normal level of resources. 4. Use consistent time units in estimating task times. 5. Treat each task as independent, don’t aggregate. 6. Don’t make allowances for contingencies. 7. Adding a risk assessment helps avoid surprises to stakeholders. 5–6 Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating • Top-Down Estimates –Are usually are derived from someone who uses experience and/or information to determine the project duration and total cost. –Are made by top managers who have little knowledge of the processes used to complete the project. • Bottom-Up Approach –Can serve as a check on cost elements in the WBS by rolling up the work packages and associated cost accounts to major deliverables at the work package level. 5–7 Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating Conditions for Preferring Top-Down or Bottom-up Time and Cost Estimates Condition Strategic decision making Macro Estimates Micro Estimates X Cost and time important X High uncertainty X Internal, small project X Fixed-price contract X Customer wants details X Unstable scope X TABLE 5.1 5–8 Estimating Projects: Preferred Approach • Make rough top-down estimates. • Develop the WBS/OBS. • Make bottom-up estimates. • Develop schedules and budgets. • Reconcile differences between top-down and bottom-up estimates 5–9 Top-Down Approaches for Estimating Project Times and Costs • Consensus methods • Ratio methods • Apportion method • Function point methods for software and system projects Project Estimate Times Costs • Learning curves 5–10 Apportion Method of Allocating Project Costs Using the Work Breakdown Structure FIGURE 5.1 5–11 Simplified Basic Function Point Count Process for a Prospective Project or Deliverable TABLE 5.2 5–12 Example: Function Point Count Method TABLE 5.3 5–13 Bottom-Up Approaches for Estimating Project Times and Costs • Template methods • Parametric procedures applied to specific tasks • Range estimates for the WBS work packages • Phase estimating: A hybrid 5–14 Support Cost Estimate Worksheet FIGURE 5.2 5–15 Phase Estimating over Product Life Cycle FIGURE 5.3 5–16 Top-Down and Bottom-Up Estimates FIGURE 5.4 5–17 Level of Detail • Level of detail is different for different levels of management. • Level of detail in the WBS varies with the complexity of the project. • Excessive detail is costly. –Fosters a focus on departmental outcomes –Creates unproductive paperwork • Insufficient detail is costly. –Lack of focus on goals –Wasted effort on nonessential activities 5–18 Types of Costs • Direct Costs –Costs that are clearly chargeable to a specific work package. • Labor, materials, equipment, and other • Direct (Project) Overhead Costs –Costs incurred that are directly tied to an identifiable project deliverable or work package. • Salary, rents, supplies, specialized machinery • General and Administrative Overhead Costs –Organization costs indirectly linked to a specific package that are apportioned to the project 5–19 Contract Bid Summary Costs Direct costs Direct overhead Total direct costs G&A overhead (20%) Total costs Profit (20%) Total bid $80,000 $20,000 $100,000 $20,000 $120,000 $24,000 $144,000 FIGURE 5.5 5–20 Three Views of Cost FIGURE 5.6 5–21 Refining Estimates • Reasons for Adjusting Estimates –Interaction costs are hidden in estimates. –Normal conditions do not apply. –Things go wrong on projects. –Changes in project scope and plans. • Adjusting Estimates –Time and cost estimates of specific activities are adjusted as the risks, resources, and situation particulars become more clearly defined. 5–22 Creating a Database for Estimating FIGURE 5.7 5–23 Key Terms Apportionment methods Bottom-up estimates Contingency funds Delphi method Direct costs Function points Learning curves Overhead costs Padding estimates Phase estimating Range estimating Ratio methods Template method Time and cost databases 5–24 WBS Figure TABLE 5.4 5–25 Learning Curves Unit Values TABLE A5.1 5–26 Learning Curves Cumulative Values TABLE A5.2 5–27