Los Costes del Desarrollo Economico

Customer Reviews:

A "Must-Have" for Cost Estimators.......2007-03-19

This 900+ page book represents a compendium of practical information about the field of cost estimation. In fact, the content is even broader than the title suggests. Dr. Stutzke focuses on real life problems and their possible solutions. It has appeal to both experienced estimators (as a reference) as well as to those new to the field. It represents another step in moving the field of cost estimation from an "art form" to a science.

Possibly will become the standard.......2006-09-07

This book initially appears somewhat intimidating. I was surprised that it is very readable, and impressed with its organization.

Early on, Dr. Stutzke makes the point that there is a trade-off between estimating accuracy and the cost to create (and maintain) estimates. The book provides assistance in identifying appropriate levels of estimating effort.

System analysts and managers that deal primarily with small-scale projects will find helpful information in Part 1 (150 pages). The Linear Method is sufficient for smaller projects. This part of the book can be digested quickly.

Part II continues with additional details, generally applicable to somewhat larger scale projects. Part III covers collecting measurement data for updating estimates and refining estimation models (the "Feedback loop").

Many readers will get all they need from the first three parts.

Part IV - Handling Large Projects - is suitable for use in estimating large scale bids, such as the DOD work done by SAIC, Stutzke's employer.

What jumps out from the pages is how much of the estimating task is common sense. Organized information provides a roadmap that I expect will have practical value.

Estimating well is a skill that is valuable in any large endeavor. How frequently do we read reports of cost overruns on large-scale government projects? I suspect that both estimators and consumers of large, unprecedented projects, whether they have substantial software content or not, would find benefit here.

Blatant misinformation.......2006-08-26

I admit to not having read this book, but the blantantly mis-statement that "Many software projects fail because their leaders don't know how to estimate, schedule, or measure them accurately" means that I have no intention of ever doing so.

Good for EVMS Managers in SW-Intensive Companies.......2006-03-01

One of the biggest problems I've encountered is that SW CAMs or PMs tend to try to re-invent the WBS structure to follow CMMI processes rather than sticking with the appropriate MIL-HDBK 881A setup of a product-oriented WBS. This book gives a good indication of how CMMI and EVMS can work together with appropriate WBS setups, etc.

Comprehensive and current - just what I need.......2005-06-23

This comprehensive, fact-filled volume fills a void in many a bookshelf. Unlike other texts on the topic of estimating, this one presents factual and unbiased information about the full range of options open to those seeking to improve their skills, knowledge and abilities in a variety of topics. Over 900 pages of extremely current and useful information organized for those who want pointers on how to get the job of estimating project performance, product quality and process effectiveness done. I especially liked the Chapters on earned value measurement (21), determining product quality (25) and measuring and estimating process performance (26). The CD with its Excel spreadsheets is an added bonus as are the appendices explaining measurement theory and estimation accuracy.

Builder's Essentials Estimating Building Costs: For The Residential & Light Commercial Contractor (Builder's Essentials)

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Builder's Essentials Estimating Building Costs: For The Residential & Light Commercial Contractor (Builder's Essentials)
Wayne J. Delpico
Manufacturer: Reed Construction Data
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Residential and Light Commercial Construction Standards: The All-In-One, Authoritative Reference Compiled from Major Building Codes, Recognized Trade Custom, Industry Standards
Construction Estimating Reference Data/Book and Disk

ASIN: 0876297416

Project Estimating and Cost Management (Project Management Essential Library)

Average customer rating:

Cost Management Handbook
Exactly as Advertised
One of the top books on project estimating I've read

Project Estimating and Cost Management (Project Management Essential Library)
Parviz F. Rad
Manufacturer: Project Management Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Integrated Cost and Schedule Control in Project Management
Managing Projects for Value (Project Management Essential Library)
Effective Work Breakdown Structures (The Project Management Essential Ibrary Series)
Project Planning and Scheduling (Project Management Essential Library.)
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling

ASIN: 1567261442

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Cost Management Handbook.......2007-07-16

Per reading the book, I found it brief and straightforward, but very helpful. I consider it as a quick cost management guide/handbook. Several approaches and techniques were provided, and supported by examples.

In particular, I found the RBS, Estimating Models and Progress Monitoring sections rich and very helpful. However, I was hoping for a bigger meal on the Earned Value topic. I think this could be an addition to any future editions.

Exactly as Advertised.......2006-01-30

Book was received in a very timely manner and exactly as advertised.

One of the top books on project estimating I've read.......2002-08-19

At 136 pages this book covers a wide array of important topics and techniques in depth. The main value of the approach the author provides is that it's both effective and consistent with best practices in project estimating.

In particular, the deliverables-based work breakdown structure approach that forms the foundation of the estimating process is one that I've been using for over a decade, and is the only sane basis, in my opinion, for establishing estimating relationships between what the project is supposed to produce, and what it takes to produce it.

I'm continually surprised by the large number of project managers, including PMPs, who don't use deliverables-based WBS. I'm not surprised, however, by the wide disparity between estimates and actuals when this method is not used. For this reason alone the book is invaluable, but there is even more that makes this book essential to any project manager. For example, the resource breakdown structure approach (also known as the organizational breakdown structure), and how it relates to the WBS is not only essential to accurate project planning and estimating, but is also an integral part of earned value project management (now a part of the PMI PMBOK). I especially liked the chapter on estimating models, which will provide project managers with proven tools and techniques, and the chapter on external projects.

Book Description

All the cost data you need to keep your estimating accurate, competitive and profitable.

Do you work on jobs between £50 and £50,000? Then this book is for you.

Specially written for contractors, quantity surveyors and clients carrying out small works, Spon's Estimating Costs Guide to Minor Works, Refurbishment and Repairs contains accurate information on thousands of rates each broken down to labour, material overheads and profit.

More than just a price book, it gives easy-to-read professional advice on setting up and running a business including:
* taxation
* book-keeping, VAT and CIS4's
* legal obligations.

No matter how big your firm is - from one-man-band to an established business - this book contains valuable commercial and cost information that you can't afford to be without.

Building Cost Planning for the Design Team, Second Edition

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Building Cost Planning for the Design Team, Second Edition
Jim Smith , and David Jaggar
Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750680164

Book Description

"When will I get it? How much will it cost?"

For the client, these are the two most critical questions. Cost Planning answers these questions and is crucial to the team working on the design and construction of a project.

This introductory text on building economics and cost planning provides the reader with the fundamental skills and knowledge to operate as a building professional in the area of economic advice and decision making at the project level. Cost planning is not an esoteric area for specialists alone, but a core skill for the whole design team.

Starting from the environment in which cost planning and design activities take place, the book works through the cost planning process in theory and practice, discussing the issues involved from a design team and client perspective. With analysis of key concepts related to cost control such as life cycle costing, value management, cost modelling and accuracy, and integration of estimating techniques, the authors provide an unequalled introduction to a crucial aspect of professional construction management.

* Introduction to the discipline of cost planning in construction
* Question, prompt and answer format throughout to assist learning
* Teaches core skills based on global best practice

Software Project Cost and Schedule Estimating: Best Practices

Average customer rating:

Good Software - Book is a User's Manual for Trial Software
... and a lousy user's manual at that
Pricey User Manual
Through coverage of the subject, based on their exeperience
Caveat Emptor

Software Project Cost and Schedule Estimating: Best Practices
William H. Roetzheim , and Reyna A. Beasley
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Good Software - Book is a User's Manual for Trial Software.......2001-12-31

I happened across this book in the University of Wisconsin bookstore and picked it up hoping it would expand on things already covered in Boehm's work. As a book, it isn't so great.

However, the software it contains is one of the most usable cost estimation tools around - if you need that kind of tool. In many cases, I've gone through the process that this software shows with other people who bought the tool outright (it's expensive if you're getting it as a single user - if you're buying it for corporate use, it's quite a value). The software is particularly valuable if you're a novice at cost estimation, since you can experiment with different lifecycles, documentation standards, and environmental factors. From this standpoint, the Marotz tool is an excellent educational device.

In short, if you need a software cost estimation tool - download
the free trial version from Marotz and try it out. This book
by itself is probably promising too much.

... and a lousy user's manual at that.......2000-05-09

Nothing more than a poorly written user manual. I was *thoroughly* disappointed. What a waste of money.

Pricey User Manual.......1999-10-29

If you took out what was not directly related to the vastly overpriced costXpert product you would have about 10 pages.

Through coverage of the subject, based on their exeperience.......1999-09-25

Good book on the subject. Pratical coverage of the subject, does not get bogged down in ivory tower approach so common to this subject matter. You will need to tailor their approach to your own situation.

Caveat Emptor.......1998-03-26

This book originally caught my eye because it gave the impression of discussing a variety of estimating techniques from function points to COCOMO. For example the synopsis from amazon.com states, "Powerful, scientific techniques are presented for confidently producing and defending accurate software development estimates and schedules." In my opinion nothing could be farther from the truth. This book should really be titled "A User Manual for CostXPert" which is a copyrighted estimating program developed by the author. It briefly summarizes common estimating techniques in the first two chapters. From chapter three on the text is focused entirely on the CostXPert program. The CostXPert program is included on CD ROM, which is usable for only a six month evaluation period. Of course the author offers to sell you a copy at $995 per license, discounts for larger orders. I am still evaluating the CostXPert software and it could possibly have some merit. The book itself as a means of learning about software project scheduling and cost estimating is woefully inadequate in comparison to other books such as Bary Boehm's "Software Engineering Economics." In fact I am a bit steamed that I spent $50 which is essentially subsidizing the authors marketing costs. If you were interested in the software I would suggest that you go to the authors website and download the program, which comes with a 30 day evaluation. The only benefit that you get with the book is a six month evaluation period instead of 30 days. Caveat Emptor!

Cost Planning of PFI and PPP Building Projects

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Cost Planning of PFI and PPP Building Projects
Boussabaine
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0415366224

Benefits and Beneficiaries: An Introduction to Estimating Distributional Effects in Cost-Benefit Analysis (Inter-American Development Bank)

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Benefits and Beneficiaries: An Introduction to Estimating Distributional Effects in Cost-Benefit Analysis (Inter-American Development Bank)
Elio Londero
Manufacturer: Inter-American Development Bank
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Professionals in the field of applied economic analysis and students interested in a more detailed approach to cost-benefit analysis than that offered in the most widely used textbooks will find Benefits and Beneficiaries a valuable tool. This volume explores the distributional implications inherent in cost-benefit analysis, shows how distributional value judgments underlie traditional efficiency analysis and the treatment of accounting prices, and provides guidelines for estimating the distributional effects of investment projects.

Applications are illustrated by three examples involving industry, electricity generation and irrigation. In each case, the author leads the reader through the analysis, comparing situations with and without an investment project, in order to identify and quantify the costs an benefits involved, and estimate the distribution of these real income changes. The book is directed towards professionals in the field of applied economic analysis and students interested in a more detailed approach to such topics than that offered in the more general textbooks, which it may serve to supplement.

Building Construction Estimating (Mcgraw-Hill Series in Construction Engineering and Project Management)

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Building Construction Estimating (Mcgraw-Hill Series in Construction Engineering and Project Management)
Stephen D. Schuette , and Roger W. Liska
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill College
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Construction Cost Estimating for Project Control

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Construction Cost Estimating for Project Control
James M. Neil
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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