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Estimating Methods
Top down and bottom up estimating methods offer different approaches to arriving at estimates, and each may be used based on relevant circumstances. Upper level managers, for example, will engage in top down estimationbut the problem that can arise is that these managers are far removed from the reality of costs on the ground and may deliver estimates that are unrealistic as a result (Larson & Gray, 2018). The better option for project managers is to take a bottom up approach. As Larson and Gray (2018) note, the bottom up estimate provides the customer with an opportunity to compare the low-cost, efficient method approach with any imposed restrictionsbut it also is based on the premise that good sense suggests project estimates should come from the people most knowledgeable about the estimate needed (p. 135). In other words, it should involve the people who actually handle costs and know them intimately.
For familiar projects that are like previous ones, the template method is a good bottom up estimate method that can be used by project managers. Project managers can use the template method for estimation for a variety of reasons. The template provides consistency across estimations, ensuring that all elements are accounted for. This allows for accurate comparisons between projects (Shekhar et al., 2021). In addition, the template can be customized to account for the unique aspects of each project. This ensures that each estimation is as accurate as possible. Finally, the template provides a straightforward way to communicate estimates to clients and other stakeholders. This can help to build trust and confidence in the project manager's ability to deliver on their promises.
However, if there is uncertainty about work packages, range estimation can work well (Larson & Gray, 2018). Range estimation is particularly helpful when dealing with unknowns because it provides a basis for assessing risk, managing resources, and determining the project contingency fund (Larson & Gray, 2018, p. 141). Thus, the project manager can go from an unfamiliar place to a...…the template method and the ratio method.
The template method involves using a standard set of factors to estimate the cost of a project. For example, an estimator might use the dimensions of a site and the type of building to calculate an estimate for the number of bricks needed. This estimate would then be multiplied by the current price of bricks to arrive at a total cost. The main advantage of this method is that it is relatively simple to use. The ratio method involves taking into account all of the factors that can affect the cost of a project, and then weighting them according to their importance. For example, an estimator might begin by calculating the cost per square foot for a given project. The advantage of this method is that it is more accurate than the template method. However, it can be more time-consuming to use, since all of the relevant information must be gathered before an estimate can be calculated. Additionally, it should not…
References
Larson, E., & Gray, C. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process 7e.
McGraw Hill.
Shekhar, S., Shukla, P., & Das, B. B. (2021). Developing a standard template for activitylinkage and resource estimation of MEP works. In Recent Trends in Civil Engineering (pp. 485-496). Springer, Singapore.
Shou, Y., & Yao, K. T. (2000, November). Estimation of project buffers in critical chainproject management. In Proceedings of the 2000 IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology. ICMIT 2000.'Management in the 21st Century'(Cat. No. 00EX457) (Vol. 1, pp. 162-167). IEEE.
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