Cowie, G F (1987) Enough scope yields better estimates. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 113(2), pp. 315-320. ISSN 0733-9364
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | estimate, cost prediction, agent, overrun |
| Subjects: | project controls, practitioner, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Time Control, Roles and Professions, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here