Information for publishers

Associations and other publishers who wish a review of new books, CDs, or software related to cost engineering, quantity surveying, or project management to be included on this page should send desk copies, with pricing and ordering information to:

Dr Kenneth Humphreys
1168 Hidden Lake Drive
Granite Falls, NC 28630
UNITED STATES

Please note: The viewpoints expressed in ICEC reviews are those of the reviewer and do not represent an official standpoint of ICEC or its member associations. Also that prices quoted are subject to change and do not include shipping and handling costs or any applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2007. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. CD ROM and on-line versions. Pricing varies depending upon selected features.

The 2008 edition of CostWorks contains 19 of the R. S. Means annual cost books plus a wage rate utility and CostWorks Estimator, an estimating package. The purchaser chooses which books are desired and pays only for those specific volumes. Available Cost Data books include Building Construction, Mechanical, Electrical, Repair & Remodeling, Square Foot, Assemblies, Interior, Concrete & Masonry, Open Shop Building Construction, Heavy Construction, Residential, Light Commercial, Facilities Construction, Plumbing, Site Work & Landscaping, Facilities Maintenance & Repair, Metric Building Construction, and new for 2008, Green Project Planning and Residential Repair & Remodeling. Depending upon which of the electronic books are purchased, Cost Works enables the user to develop estimates electronically from the selected databases and to adjust the estimates for any specific geographic location within the US using either union labor or open shop labor. Included is a feature which can modify or replace any data line in an estimate with alternate data quickly and easily.

A complete set of the Means cost books, or even a partial set, requires a considerable amount of shelf space. CostWorks makes the complete Means' cost library available at the user's fingertips and can be used on any job site with a laptop computer. Cost Works also provides hot links to many useful reference sites and can export data directly to Lotus®, Excel®, and Windows® applications. Quarterly updates may be downloaded directly from the Means website.

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home

Charlie Wing, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2004. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 160 pages, softbound. US $21.95. ISBN 0-87629-015-6.

A review of this book may seem a bit out of place on this website. It is not a cost engineering, quantity surveying or project management work but nevertheless should be of general interest to any member of the three professions. While most CE, QS or PM professionals understand estimates, many are all thunbs when it comes to using hand tools to correct a multitude of problems in the home. We know how to build a large building but do not know how to repair a leaking toilet or do a wiring repairs. Those sorts of things are the subject of this compact book. The book was mentioned on the popular American television show, "This Old House" and resulted in skyrocketing sales for the RS Means division of Reed Construction Data. It covers a huge number of common plumbing, wiring, heating, cooling, air quality, appliance, window & door, and foundation & framing problems with exceptionally well illustrated explanations of how to correct them. Each topic includes a layperson's explanation of how the particular item works and gives full color illustrations to guide in doing the required repair. Many topics include a sidebar headed "Before Calling for Help" or "Before Calling a Plumber" with a list of things to check to help diagnose and repair the problem at hand. CE, QS and PM professionals are supposed to be experts at cost control. Consider the cost of calling in a repair person to fix minor items versus the modest cost of this book. If the book aids you in solving just one problem, the cost savings will reimburse the cost of the book several times over.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 840 pages, softbound. US $149.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-020-0, ISSN 0068-3531. Also available in loose-leaf format at US $187.95, ISBN 978-0-87629-021-7, and in Spanish at US $149.95, ISBN 978-0-87629-022-4

Means Building Construction Cost Data continues to expand with addition of new information. The 2008 edition has added information on thickness of metal building insulation and installation methods, Flexible fire sprinkler lines for centering heads in ceiling tiles are also new as is unit pricing for high bay fluorescent lighting. The "bible" of building estimating data, this book provides unit prices and crew labor requirements for over 20,000 building components. The book cites US national average costs. City cost indexes are provided which permit adjustment of the average costs to those for over 700 locations throughout the United States and Canada and location factors are provided for adjusting total project costs to over 930 US and Canadian locations. The book is primarily aimed at new construction projects costing us $1,000,000 and up but can be used for any building work with reasonable exercise of judgement.

The unit price section of the book gives prices for thousands of items arranged in divisions according to the MasterFormat system. An exhaustive reference section provides construction equipment rental costs, crew sizes and hourly costs, city cost indexes, location factors, change order costs and information, square foot costs, and numerous reference tables. With the purchase of the book a free quarterly update service is also provided. This book continues to improve with each successive annual edition and is clearly the leading reference volume in its field for US and Canadian building costs. In addition to the printed versions it is also available electronically, including the Means wage rate utility, at US $185.95 as one of the options available with Means CostWorks 2008.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 350+ pages, softbound. US $326.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-044-6, ISSN 0098-3608.

The 35th Annual Edition of Means Labor Rates for the Construction Industry provides detailed union wage rates for 35 major building construction trades for 314 US and Canadian cities. Base hourly wage rates plus fringe benefit costs are shown. Historical wage rates for 2006 and 2007 are provided. Each wage rate is compared as a percentage of the average for 30 major US cities. Where available, negotiated future wage increments are also shown. If this information is lacking, estimated future rates are given. The reference section of the book provides data on production efficiency with overtime and overtime costs, workers' compensation insurance rates, general contractor's overhead, builders risk insurance costs, and descriptions of the scope of work of the 35 major construction trades. Means Labor Rates for the Construction Industry continues to be the most comprehensive reference source available for US/Canadian labor rates in the building construction industry.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 420 pages, softbound. US $59.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-016-3.

The updated 4th edition of Means Unit Price Estimating Methods is written in nine chapters with two appendices. Chapter 1 describes various types of estimates and the anticipated accuracy level of the estimates. Chapter 2 describes the type of information required to perform each type of estimate. Chapter 3 explains how to perform the quantity takeoff and Chapter 4 covers estimate pricing. Pre-bid scheduling is covered in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 discusses bidding, cost control, productivity, cash flow and life cycle costing, plus other relevant topics. The next two chapters explain the use of Means cost data in preparing an estimate and the use of computerized estimating methods. The final chapter is by far the longest chapter and accounts for more than half of the book. It details, MasterFormat division by division, the steps required in performing estimates and provides sample estimates for each division. The first appendix includes many reference tables which are useful in making building cost estimates. The final appendix is a list of construction abbreviations. An added plus is access to a dedicated website from which various estimating forms may be downloaded.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 323 pages, softbound. US $64.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-013-2.

As does Means Unit Price Estimating Methods, the updated 5th edition of Means Landscape Estimating Methods provides access to a dedicated website from which various landscape estimating forms may be downloaded. The eleven chapters of this book cover the landscape industry today, landscaping materials and methods, landscaping equipment, building an estimate including the takeoff and pricing, bidding, planning & scheduling, and estimating maintenance costs, among other topics. A total of six appendices are provided which cover conversion factors and design calculations, site work, construction, planting and weather considerations and more. The book also discusses green building approaches and provides a detailed explanation of the landscape estimating process with a full example for a major estimating project.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 342 pages, softbound. US $69.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-018-7.

Means Square Foot & UNIFORMAT Assemblies Estimating, has been completely updated and revised to the UNIFORMAT II classification system. It includes an overview of CostWorks Square Foot and Assemblies. The book consists of 17 chapters and three appendices which discuss use of UNIFORMAT II and CostWorks. The first two chapters discuss estimate types and square foot and cubic foot estimates. These are followed by thirteen chapters detailing how to develop assemblies estimates and providing an example. The topics, among others, include substructure, superstructure, roofing, conveying systems, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and many more. A summary chapter completes the estimate including overhead, profit and contractor mark-ups. The final chapter addresses a breakdown of square foot costs, estimate accuracy, cost comparisons and other relevant topics. This book should prove to be very useful to anyone who is concerned with creating conceptual, construction or appraisal estimates for buildings.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 390 pages, softbound. US $64.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-017-0.

As is the case with other RS Means books in this series, Means Mechanical Estimating Methods provides access to a dedicated website from which various estimating forms may be downloaded. This profusely illustrated book describes the necessary procedures for doing the takeoff and pricing HVAC systems, piping, plumbing and fire protection. Worked out sample estimates, both unit price and square foot, are provided as is a glossary of mechanical terms and definitions. The book is divided into 24 chapters covering estimate types, direct and indirect costs, bidding, piping, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and much more.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 506 pages, softbound. US $163.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-055-2, ISSN 1540-6326.

Means Square Foot Costs provides data for over 100 "standard" structures - residential, commercial, institutional and industrial. For residences, square foot costs are provided for different levels of construction quality - economy, average, custom and luxury. Cost adjustment factors are provided for many different modifications and alternatives such as kitchen cabinets, fireplaces, different roof coverings, skylights, etc. Similarly, the information for commercial, industrial and institutional structures gives square foot costs for basic structures with adjustment factors for many different building options. An extensive assemblies section is provided for costs of substructure, building shell, interiors, services, equipment & furnishings, special construction and sitework. The book is very well illustrated and sample estimating forms are provided as are blank forms for the use of the reader. Location factors are provided for over 900 US and Canadian locations and historical cost indexes are provided for the various locations dating back to 1940. In addition to the printed version, this book is also available electronically at US $264.95 as one of the options available with Means CostWorks 2008. The CostWorks option includes the Means wage rate utility.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 336 pages, softbound. US $29.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-014-9.

While not truly a cost engineering or quantity surveying book, this new RS Means publication should prove to be useful to cost engineers and quantity surveyors who are involved in residential construction. Its profuse color illustrations cover virtually every conceivable job in residential framing - floors, walls, roofs, stairs, doors and windows. The 14 chapters of the book cover nailing patterns, floor framing, roof and wall framing, engineered wood products, wind & earthquake framing, building code requirements, and much more. An extensive English-Spanish glossary of framing terms is also provided.

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 400+ pages, softbound. US $23.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-817-6.

Spanish speaking construction workers are becoming a major part of the construction workforce in the US and increasingly in Canada. Over 41 million Hispanics now live in the United States. They constitute nearly 15% of the population and are the largest minority group in the country. Many of them work in the construction industry but are not fluent in English. Hence tools are needed to facilitate communication between English and Spanish speaking workers. That is the purpose of this book. The book is really two in one. Turned one way, it is in English with Spanish translations. Reversed, it is in Spanish with English translations. Thus it is readily used by either English or Spanish speaking workers. The book provides a pronunciation guide and an extensive dictionary of construction terms. It then provides a listing of common phrases needed for communication plus tables of numbers, days and months, and unit conversion factors. Perhaps of greatest use are illustrations of many construction components, assemblies and tools labeled in both languages. Also provided are basic information and illustrations on safe working practices and medical emergencies.

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Risk, Second Edition (CD)

Kenneth D. Brienzo PE (Editor), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-31-9.

Over the years, AACE International has published thousands of papers on all aspects of cost engineering and project management. Typically such a wealth of published information becomes lost with the passage of time. To avoid this and to make these historic papers readily available to the profession in a single convenient location, AACE International produces a series of Professional Practice Guides (PPGs) on CD, each dealing with a specific cost or project related topic. These CDs contain selected papers on each topic as chosen by editors who are experts in the specific subject area. The PPGs are periodically revised as new material becomes available. The present PPG is the second on the topic of Risk. It is perhaps the most complete collection of technical articles and information on project risk which is available anywhere. It includes 286 technical papers in 17 chapters. Some papers go back to as early as 1966 and include classic articles by noted authorities such as Julian A. Piekarski, Michael W. Curran (the developer of renge estimating), John W. Hackney, Aaron RoseDr. James M. Neil, Henry C. Thorne, and many more. The CD includes classic articles reprinted from Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions. Included are articles on capital investments, cash flow, competitive bidding, contingency analysis, contracts, cost engineering in general, decision analysis, economic analysis, escalation, human factors, manufacturing, scheduling and other topics. This is a valuable resource for any professional who is concerned with project risk and risk analysis.

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Portfolio and Program Management, Second Edition (CD)

Dr. Randy R. Rapp PE CCE (Editor), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-46-7.

This publication is another in AACE International's series of Professional Practice Guides (PPGs) on CD, each dealing with a specific cost or project related topic. These CDs contain selected papers on each topic as chosen by editors who are experts in the specific subject area. This PPG is the second on the topic of Portfolio and Program Management. It includes 113 technical papers in 5 chapters. The papers cover the period from 1967 through 2007, a 40 year span of time. Included are classic articles by many noted authors in the field. The CD includes articles reprinted from Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions. Included are articles on enterprise management (31 articles), asset requirements elicitation and analysis (19 articles), asset planning and investment decision-making (28 articles), asset performance assessment and change management (25 articles), and program management (10 articles).

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (CD)

Carla Lopez del Puerto CCC and Dr. Douglas D. Gransberg PE CCE (Editors), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-60-2.

This is another in AACE International's series of Professional Practice Guides (PPGs) on CD. This CD covers the vital topic of life-cycle cost analysis and contains selected papers on the topic. This PPG is the fifteenth in the AACE PPG series. It includes 72 technical papers in 10 chapters. The papers were selected by the editors from the thousands of papers published over the years in Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions. Chapter topics are life-cycle cost theory (7 papers), life-cycle cost calculation methods (13 papers), determining discount rates (5 papers), estimating capital cost of design and construction (9 papers), estimating operations costs (6 papers), estimating salvage & residual value (4 papers), estimating sustainability (7 papers), life-cycle cost risk analysis (8 papers), life-cycle cost case studies (5 papers) and life-cycle cost analysis in the international context (8 Papers). Paper authors include many noted authorities on cost engineering and project management including pioneers in the field such as Dr. James H. Black, J. C. Agarwal, Julian A. Piekarski, and many others. A significant percentage of the papers were written by international authors from many different countries.

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Cost Engineering in the Global Environment (CD)

Kul B Uppal PE (Editor), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-61-0.

This is the sixteenth in AACE International's series of Professional Practice Guides (PPGs) on CD, each of which deals with a specific cost or project related topic. These CDs contain selected papers on each topic as chosen by experts in the specific subject area. The present work is perhaps the one which should be of greatest interest to the international community and to the member associations of the International Cost Engineering Council. Included are 144 technical papers by many noted authors. The CD includes articles reprinted from AACE International Recommended Practices and Standards, Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions, including the proceedings of the 1992 and 2000 ICEC World Congresses on Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Project Management. Included are papers on international projects (47 papers), an AACE International recommended practice on estimate classification, a recommended practice on the basis of estimates, 19 papers on cost estimating methodology 13 papers on risk and contingency, and 63 papers on a variety of other topics of interest. Among the many authors of these papers are such noted individuals as John E. Barry, Don C. Parkinson, Dr. Kenneth K. Humphreys, John G. McConville, Leopoldo G. Varela, Michael W. Curran, Gianluca di Castri, James G. Zack and many others.

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Public Sector Estimating (CD)

Joseph L. Macaluso CCC (Editor), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-62-9.

This is the seventeenth Cd in AACE International's series of Professional Practice Guides (PPGs), each dealing with a specific cost or project related topic. This PPG deals with estimating in the public sector, i.e., govenrment projects as opposed to private projects. Included are four papers on the basis of estimates, four dealing with labor costs, five concerning overhead and profit, one on soft costs, four on bid (tender)/ estimate reconciliation, and to on change orders. Public sector projects, laking a profit motive, are generally managed in a different way than are private projects and these papers highlight many of the differences between public and private projects. The articles on the CD are reprinted from past issues of Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions.

AACE International's Professional Practice Guide to Green Building (CD)

Joseph L Macaluso (Editor), AACE International, 2007

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$60.00 to AACEI members; US$80.00 to non-members. ISBN 978-1-885517-63-7.

With the growing international concern about the environment and building "green", AACE International has released this Professional Practice Guide (PPG), the eighteenth in their PPG series on CD. This PPG includes 31 significant technical papers related to green building and sustainability. The six chapters of the book are:

Richardson^TM International Construction Factor Manual

Cost Data On Line, Inc.

Those concerned with international construction cost estimating and international location factors will welcome the return the Richardson^TM International Construction Factor Manual to the cost engineering literature. Cost Data On Line, Inc. recently purchased the rights to the Richardson^TM International Construction Factor Manual and has completely updated it and now makes it available on-line along with the highly regarded Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards.

The on-line version of the International Construction Factor Manual follows the pattern of the former hard-copy publication and is available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format for ready download and printing as needed. The data and information provided is updated by Cost Data On Line on a continuous basis thus assuring that the publication remains current. The manual currently provides location factor information for 36 US cities, 6 Canadian cities and 3 Australian cities plus locations in 37 other countries. Additional cities and countries will be added as reliable and objective data becomes available.

In addition to location factor information, the Manual provides economic information, regulations regarding foreign business, roles and contacts of regulatory agencies, construction labor rates by craft, and shipping information and contacts. All information in the Manual is referenced to a standard point of origin for a fictitious location of Richardson USA which represents an average of data from many United States locations. Currently included countries and regions, in addition to the United States, Canada and Australia are China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam in Asia; Mexico and Puerto Rico on North America; Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates in the Near East; Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru and Venezuela in South America; Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain and United Kingdom in Europe; and Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa in Africa. Location factor charts are provided for each country and city referenced to each other country and city which is listed in the Manual. Each chart provides currency exchange rates; duties, freight costs, value added tax rates, and other costs for imported material;, labor rates and labor productivities; plus comparative location factors. The return of the Richardson^TM International Construction Factor Manual to the cost engineering literature is a very beneficial development for those in the process industries who are concerned with international construction.

CLICK HERE to download selected pages from the Cost Factor Manual including location factors for many cities and countries.

Richardson is a Trademark of Aspen Technology, Inc.

2007 AACE International Transactions

AACE International

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2007. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD ROM, US $75.00 to AACEI members; US $100.00 to non-members. Looseleaf paper version, US $165 to AACEI members; US $190 to non-members. ISBN: 978-1-885517-61-0.

This edition of AACE International Transactions includes the papers which were presented at the 2007 AACE International 51st Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee USA. The Annual AACE meetings are perhaps the most comprehensive events in the cost management profession and include many papers on all aspects of cost management. The 2007 AACE Transactions includes 104 papers covering:

Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards

Cost Data On Line, Inc.

After a hiatis of several years, Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards are now available once again. For many years, Richardson^TM Standards were the premier cost data volumes for both general construction and process plant construction. The books were sold to Aspen Technology, Inc. several years ago. Aspen unfortunately was not able to keep the database current and the books quickly became very outdated. Aspen has now sold the books to Cost Data On Line, Inc. which maintains them via on-line access and which keeps the data current. This is a very welcome development for the construction industry, particularly in the US and Canada, which has relied on the Richardson^TM Standards for over 45 years.

Rather than having separate volumes for general construction and process construction as previously existed, Cost Data On Line offers the combined database and updates it as often as new cost data is obtained. Buyers can select only the general construction information or the complete database including the process equipment cost section. In the days of hard copy publication, updates were annual. Now they can literally be made almost daily. Another feature of the on-line access is tha implementation of Richardson^TM Dynamic Data which automatically adjusts the database for specific cities.

Users can select any construction component or process equipment item and obtain current cost and pricing data. The database provides the information in Adobe Acrobat pdf form which can be printed as required or viewed on-line. The database generally follows Construction Specification Index (CSI) accounts plus an account for process equipment.

Prior users of Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards will find the new on-line version to be quite familiar. It looks and appears like the old Richardson Engineering Co. hard copy books and is every bit as easy to use. This reviewer is pleased to once again have this old standard of the profession back again.

Richardson is a Trademark of Aspen Technology, Inc.

Project Management Using Earned Value

Gary C. Humphreys

Humphreys & Associates, 3111 North Tustin Ave., Suite 120, Orange, California 92865, USA, 2002. Phone: +1 714 685 1730. Internet: http://www.humphreys-assoc.com. E-mail: humphreys@humphreys-assoc.com. Bound, 904 pages, US $125.00. Postage and handling: US $5.00 to US addresses; Us $15 elsewhere. ISBN: 0-9708614-0-0.

This massive profusely illustrated volume covers virtually all aspects of earned value project management. It is divided into six major parts with a total of 39 chapters plus a number of appendices (Part 6). The five main parts are:

Rawlhouse Publishing Pty., Ltd., PO Box 145, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia, 2008; E-mail: info@rawlhouse.com. 910 pages, hardbound. AU $340 plus packing and shipping to addresses outside of Australia.

As we have stated in reviews of earlier editions of this "bible" of Australian construction costs, the title is misleading as the book also includes cost information for many locations in other countries of the Asia-Pacific region plus information for Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The non-Australian information is not extensive but it is nevertheless very useful in making international cost comparisons.

The book primarily provides cost information for medium to large projects (buildings over AU $750,000) but does provide some limited data for smaller projects. The book provides some 465 pages of detailed unit price information for building components in five major Australian cities - Adelade, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. A 63 page section on comparative costs provides installed cost information, including labor and minor items for building systems substructure, columns, staircases, roofs, walls, etc. Sections on square metre costs and elemental costs provide cost per square metre information for building systems and for complete buildings. Price indices dating back to 1970 are also provided for the five cities with regional indices for adjustment of the data to other locations within Australia. Similar information is also provided for Canberra, Darwin and Hobart although not in as great a level of detail as for the first five cities plus regional indices for the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Also included are sections on refurbishing and recycling buildings, trade ratios, rentals, building planning, administration and management and much more.

The international section of the books compares labour rates, price indexes, square metre costs, and installed costs for various building components for Sydney vs. Vancouver, Canada; Suva, Fiji; Hong Kong; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Auckland, New Zealand; Pt. Moresby/Lae, Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Cape Town, South Africa; Bangkok, Thailand; London, UK; Los Angeles, USA; and Port Vila, Vanatu.

As always the current edition of Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook is a must have reference volume for anyone concerned with building costs in Auatralia or with cost comparisons between countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide For Housing, Small Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Rawlhouse Publishing Pty., Ltd., PO Box 145, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia, 2008; E-mail: info@rawlhouse.com. 275 pages, softbound. AU $225 plus packing and shipping to addresses outside of Australia.

The Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide provides extensive unit cost data for housing, small commercial and industrial buildings throughout Australia. Following the pattern of earlier editions, the book includes historic building price indices for eight major Australian cities going back to 1967. These indices are applicable to projects worth in excess of AU $500,000. Regional indices (location factors) referenced to Sydney as a base of 100 are provided for many cities and towns throughout Australia. Elemental costs and square metre building cost information for many different types of buildings are also provided for Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The detailed unit price information includes virtually any building component of interest to the estimator or quantity surveyor, whether for new construction of for building demolition or alteration. Another section of this excellent reference book provides labour hour constants for many operations in building construction. The book closes with concise information on measurement of building areas, property insurance, and the Australian goods and services (G.S.T.) tax system. This book continues to be a "must have" volume truly useful work for those concerned with Australian building construction costs.

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2006. Phone: +1 800 334 3509 (US) or +1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 632 6732 (US) or +1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 291 pages, softbound. US $69.95. ISBN-10: 0-87629-822-6; ISBN-13: 978-0-87629-822-0.

This new book will be of great interest to the small contractor and subcontractor as a guide to contract negotiations. Large engineering and construction firms are generally well aware of the suggestions made by the author when they negotiate contracts, but the small contractor often overlooks things that the large contractor may consider to be quite basic. That is not to say that large contractors don't make errors in negotiations. They certainly do and many of them could gain much from this book but the small contractor is the primary beneficiary of this work. The author has extensive experience with a large firm and much of his writing is based on situations he encountered in dealing with inexperienced contractors.

The author states (and this reviewer totally agrees with him) that a "... comprehensive scope of work is the most important part of a construction contract and one of the foundation stones of a good contract." He discusses briefly but forcefully why the contractor must assure that the scope of work is well defined. The 17 chapters of the book cover many vital topics, a few of which are:

• forms of contract;
• scope of work;
• terms of payment;
• schedule;
• insurance and indemnity;
• changes; and
• force majeure.

A major topic which becomes a big pitfall for contractors, large and small, is international contracting. What works well in the home country often does not succeed in another country. In Chapter 16, the author discusses in some detail the potential pitfalls of international contracting and gives excellent guidance. For US firms, he also make very clear the requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the requirements of the law that contractors must follow when working in other countries.

This book is very clearly written in everyday language and not legalese. In reviews of works of fiction, the term "a good read" is often used. One generally does not think of technical writing in that vein, but this book is an exception. It is indeed a good read!

Green Building: Project Planning & Cost Estimating

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2006. Phone: +1 800 334 3509 (US) or +1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 632 6732 (US) or +1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 452 pages, softbound. US $129.95. ISBN-10: 0-87629-826-9; ISBN-13: 978-0-87629-826-8.

This new edition of Green Building: Project Planning and Estimating is a total revision and update. It includes the latest in green building technologies, design concepts and standards. Purchasers of the book also receive the RS Means Green Building CostWorks CD which provides more than 5,000 unit price line items for green materials and products and over 150 assemblies (high efficiency HVAC systems, gray water systems, etc.). The book is written in 15 chapters, each authored by an expert in the particular chapter topic. Some of the topics are:

• green building approaches;
• energy efficiency;
• solar energy systems;
• green design;
• economic analysis; and
• building deconstruction.

Four very useful appendices are provided. They cover:

• an overview of cost estimating
• using the Means green building cost data
• HVAC equipment efficiency tables
• standards and guidelines - Energy Star® qualified building products, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) checklist, EcoLogo^M labeled products, and CHPS (Collaborative High Performance Schools) criteria.

Also included are two very useful additions, a resource directory and a glossary of green terminology and trademarks. The resource directory provides a very long list of Internet sites related to green buildings and sustainability, generally with telephone numbers for additional information. This directory also provides abstracts of useful reference books. All in all, this is an excellent addition to the literature on green buildings and sustainability.

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2006. Phone: +1 800 334 3509 (US) or +1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 632 6732 (US) or +1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 144 pages, softbound. US $21.95. ISBN-10: 0-87629-821-8; ISBN-13: 978-0-87629-8212-3.

This book is one which we would not ordinarily review because its intended audience in the individual homeowner, not the project and cost professional. That is evidenced by its relatively low price which is intended for the mass consumer market in hardware and home improvement stores. Nevertheless it contains much useful information to the serious environmental topic of mold in buildings and thus is also a useful reference for the building construction professional, particularly those engaged in building renovations and/or mold remediation. The author succinctly explains the hazards associated with growth of mold, how to prevent it, and how to remediate the problem if mold develops. Health effects of various types of mold are discussed and typical cost information for testing and remediation is provided.

Butterworth-Heinemann, an imprint of Elsevier Ltd., Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP, United Kingdom. Distributed in the United States by RS Means, Reed Construction Data, PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2006. Phone: +1 800 334 3509 (US) or +1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 632 6732 (US) or +1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 201 pages, softbound. US $49.95. ISBN-10: 0-87629-825-0; ISBN-13: 978-0-87629-825-1.

The preface of this book begins with the startling fact that 57 percent of US construction firms fail within four years based upon a 1998 study. The probability is that the failure rate in other countries is also quite high.Why this happens and how to avoid business failure is the topic of this book. While no book can guarantee success, particularly in as risky a business climate as that of construction, the suggestions in this book can be of great help to the small contractor in avoiding many of the traps that others have fallen into. Topics of discussion include, among others:

• sales and marketing;
• bidding and tendering;
• accounting considerations;
• contract terms and conditions
• retaining good employees and terminating others;
• dealing with subcontractors; and
• insurance and bonding.

The book even includes guidance in interviewing job applicants. The new contractor will benefit significantly from reading this modestly priced book.

Appraising Management Performance: The Bubble Management Approach

Eugene Moncrief and Kevin Curran

Industrial Press, New York, 2006. Hardbound, 261 pp, ISBN 0-8311-3279-5, $49.95. http://www.industrialpress.com

This profusely illustrated book is a unique and valuable addition to the literature on appraising management performance against goals. Its uniqueness comes about by introducing probability theory as a major tool for performance evaluation. The text is supported with numerous case studies.

The authors call the process Bubble Management which involves “,,,performing five key management tasks: 1) setting realistic goals where the probability of achieving them is known, 2) monitoring progress against goals using tactical plans and control charts, 3) evaluating uncertainty and identifying opportunities and risks using Value-Based Risk Management, 4) using VBRM bubble charts to improve net opportunities and mitigate net risks, and 5) using Performance Translation Tables to convert goal achievement into a qualitative performance rating for executive compensation and bonuses.”

The foregoing list of tasks is a direct quote from the book. The terms Bubble Management and Value-Based Risk Management (VBRM), service marks of Decision Sciences Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri, require some explanation. Decision Sciences Corporation (DSC) is the preeminent firm in the United States in the field of risk analysis and risk management. Almost 40 years ago, DSC introduced a concept known as range estimating which utilizes probability theory, Monte Carlo simulation, and heuristics to calculate the probability of achieving goals. Most often range estimating was, and still is, applied to cost goals. Value-Based Risk Management (VBRM) expands upon the range estimating concept to introduce the concept of managing uncertainty, which can be a risk, opportunity, or both. Goals have uncertainty and thus have an amount of risk and/or opportunity, a bubble if you will, surrounding each goal. Hence the term Bubble Management.

It must be understood that the purpose of the book is to demonstrate how VBRM can be applied to appraising management performance by use of the Bubble Management approach. It demonstrates how VBRM has been applied via a large number of case studies rather than detailing the actual method by which VBRM determines probability forecasts. That is beyond the scope of the book.

The book is divided into nine chapters which clearly explain the application of VBRM to appraising management performance. Chapter 1 gives the authors’ reasons for believing that goal setting and appraisal require a new approach. Chapter 2 explains goal setting and Chapter 3 follows up with the discussion of how goals should be monitored. Chapter 4 gives an overview of VBRM and its value for appraising management performance and Chapter 5 pulls the first four chapters together explaining the bubble management approach and its application to rating the performance of executives. Chapters 6, 7 and 8 provide numerous case studies of the application of the VBRM process to production companies, service companies, and not-for-profit companies respectively. Finally, Chapter 9 explains how the reader can get his or her organization to adopt a goal-oriented approach and build a goal-oriented team.

This reviewer has successfully used the DSC range estimating techniques for a great many years in analyzing cost risk on projects with budgets as low as $50,000 to well over one billion dollars. VBRM introduces a much broader dimension to appraising performance. It truly is a welcome addition to the “tool box” of those concerned with goal setting and appraising management performance against those goals.

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers Price Book, 25th Edition

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers Prijzenboeke

25th Edition. Dutch Association of Cost Engineers and Reed Business Information, 2006

PO Box 1058, 3860 BB Nijkerk, The Netherlands E-mail: napdace@mos-net.nl. 274 pages, softbound. ISBN: 90-5895-010-7. Published by Reed Business Information bv, PO Box 4, 7000 BA Doetinchem, The Netherlands; E-mail: abonnementen.bouw@reedbusiness.nl. 108.88 Euro including VAT. Postage and handling additional.

The Dutch Association of Cost Engineers and Reed Business Information have just released the 25th edition of this premier source of process industry construction cost information for Europe. The DACE Prijzenboekje (Price Book) is a data book of unit costs from hundreds of actual projects in Europe. The 25th edition retains the pocket size format of previous editions. A new section on engineering costs has been added. The book contains an incredible amount of actual project cost information for completed process industry projects submitted by leading engineering - construction and process industry companies. This book is truly worth its modest cost for anyone concerned with estimating projects in the European Common Market. While the book is in Dutch, its many cost tables are very easy to interpret using and English-Dutch glossary.

Project Management Review (Projektna Mreza Slovenije)

Slovensko združenje za projektni management (ZPM) Editor-in-Chief: Jure Kovac Technical Editor: Tanja Arh

Slovensko združenje za projektni management, Slovenia, Ljubljana, Prešernova cesta 10. ISSN: 0263-7863 E-mail: revija@zpm-si.com

Project Management Review is the scientific and professional review of the Slovenian Project Management Association (ZPM). The Review publishes significant and useful articles dealing with the broad interests of the field of project management. Topics covered included:

• Project planning, organizing and controlling;
• Project concepts;
• Project evaluation;
• Project methods; tools and techniques;
• Team building and training;
• Project start-up;
• Risk analysis and allocation;
• Quality assurance;
• Resources, cost and time allocation;
• Project finance;
• Project management software;
• Organization systems; and
• Strategic project management.

The Project management Review emphasizes the knowledge of the practical and theoretical aspects of project management and covers all areas of project management from systems to human aspects and link theory with practice by publishing case studies. The journal aims to provide a focus for Slovenian expertise in the project management. In the application areas listed, this includes academics: researchers and lecturers in project management; practitioners: project managers and planners in business, commerce and industry.

Project management Review was founded in 1998. It is devoted to the publication of high quality research papers in all fields of project management, and publishes approximately 180 pages of “new project management” a year. Beside the research papers the Project management Review publishes professional articles, information, book reviews, reflections, interviews and computer software reviews. Published quarterly, Project management Review provides research essential to the field of project management in Slovenia.

The Project management Review achieves an editorial balance among research, technique, theory, and practice. All articles submitted to the journal are reviewed. The journal is published in Slovene language with English abstracts and summaries.

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September 2006 Reviews

2006 AACE International Transactions

AACE International, 2006

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2003. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD-ROM, US $75.00 to AACEI members; US $100.00 to non-members. Loose-leaf paper version, US $165 to AACEI members; US $190 to non-members. ISBN: 1-885517-56-4.

This edition of AACE International Transactions includes the papers which were presented at the 2006 AACE International 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Included are 97 papers are covering adverse conditions, claims and dispute resolution, cost/schedule control, estimating, professional development, IT/IM in project and cost management, owner issues, project management, planning and scheduling, decision and risk management, earned value management, skills and knowledge of cost engineering, and total cost management. The CD is fully searchable.

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Total Cost Management Framework

A Process for Applying the Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering

John K. Hollman, ed., 2006

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2003. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD-ROM, US $55.00 to AACEI members; US $80.00 to non-members. Softbound paper version, US $55 to AACEI members; US $80 to non-members. ISBN: 1-885517-55-6. Free download available from the AACEI website, http://www.aacei.org/tcm

Total Cost Management (TCM) is the effective application of professional and technical expertise to plan and control resources, costs, profitability, and risk. It is a systematic approach to managing cost through the life cycle of any enterprise, program, facility, project, product, or service. The TCM Framework is a representation of that approach.

This long awaited book is the culmination of an AACE International project which has been on going for a number of years. The Total Cost Management Framework is a structured, annotated process map that for the first time explains each practice area in the cost engineering field in the context of its relationship to the other practice areas and allied professions. As the subtitle says, it is a process for applying the skills and knowledge of cost engineering. The book highlights and differentiates the main cost management application areas: project control and strategic asset management.

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Proceedings of the 1st ICEC & IPMA Global Congress on Project Management

Slovensko Združenje za Projektni Managementa, 2006

Presernova 10, SI-1000 Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, USA, 2006. Fax: 386 1 24 17 296. Internet: http://www.zpm-si.com. E-mail: info@zpm-si.com.

This CD contains the abstracts, and in most cases, the complete text of the papers which were presented at the 1st ICEC & IPMA Global Congress on Project Management and 5th World Congress on Cost Engineering, Project Management, and Quantity Surveying held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, April 23-26, 2006.

The program of the Congress included over 100 plenary lectures, papers, and panel discussions on IT projects, strategic management, cost engineering, professional development and training, project management excellence, risk management, portfolio management, value management, quantity surveying, stakeholders management, the people side of project management, project management tools, and case studies.

Project Management in the New Geo-Economy and the Power of Project Organization

IPMA and ICEC Expert Seminars

Dr Brane Semolic and Dr. Sebastian Dworatschek, eds., 2004

Slovenian Project Management Association, Presernova 10, SI-1000 Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, USA, 2004. Fax: 386 1 24 17 296. Internet: http://www.zpm-si.com. E-mail: info@zpm-si.com. Published by Toolmakers Cluster of Slovenia, http://www.toolscluster.net. Softbound 190 pp., ISBN: 86-535-0650-8.

IPMA initiated a series of Expert Seminars on project management topics in 1977 and these seminars have periodically been held in Europe since then. This book presents the papers which were presented at two expert seminars which were held in Slovenia in 2003 and 2004

Included are 19 papers by project management experts from Europe and the United States. Topics are wide ranging and, among others, include obstacles to successful project management, project risk analysis, virtual projects, network organizations, managing uncertainty, strategic start-up, and many more.

How to Estimate with Means Data & CostWorks, 3rd edition

RS Means and Saleh A. Mubarak, 2006

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2004. Phone: +1 800 334 3509 (US) or +1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 632 6732 (US) or +1 304 291 5728 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. Softbound, 252 pp. plus CD-ROM. US $ 59.95. ISBN-10: 0-87629-820-X, ISBN-13: 978-0-87629-820-6.

This section of the ICEC webpage often contains reviews of the various cost data books produced by RS Means and the annual CostWorks CD-ROMs which contain the Means data and a built-in building estimating program. These publications and the CD-ROMs are highly respected and are widely used throughout the US building construction industry. However it is not always clear how to apply the means data and hence this book has been prepared to aid in the proper use of Means data.

This book provides information on how the cost data in RSMeans Building Construction Cost Data (BCCD) are developed and presented. Numerous sample problems are included to show how to apply the cost information and to fully utilize the capabilities of the data.

Included with the book is a CD-ROM with an instructional version of CostWorks which includes the capability to create estimates within the program. Also included on the CD are CostWorks Estimator and a sample basic spreadsheet. The book focuses on solution techniques for various types of estimating problems and for using CostWorks to create a spreadsheet estimate.

NISTIR 6916. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Technology Administration, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8603, USA. 2002. Distributed by the EPA Pollution Prevention Clearinghouse, E-mail: ppic@epamail.epa.gov. CD plus 191 page softbound manual or download from the Internet at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html. Free.

The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your fingertips a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products. Developed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Building and Fire Research Laboratory with support from the U.S. EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program, the tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and transparent. Version 3.0 of the Windows-based decision support software, aimed at designers, builders, and product manufacturers, includes actual environmental and economic performance data for nearly 200 building products.

BEES measures the environmental performance of building products by using the life-cycle assessment approach specified in ISO 14000 standards. All stages in the life of a product are analyzed: raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. Economic performance is measured using the ASTM standard life-cycle cost method, which covers the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal. Environmental and economic performance are combined into an overall performance measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis. For the entire BEES analysis, building products are defined and classified according to the ASTM standard classification for building elements known as UNIFORMAT II.

BEES 3.0 runs on Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, and XP personal computers with a 486 or higher microprocessor, 32 Megabytes or more of RAM, and at least 110 Megabytes of available disk space. A printer must be installed.

BLCC, Building Life-Cycle Cost Programs

United States of America, Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Applied Economics, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8603

CD or download from the Internet at http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/information/download_blcc.cfm. Free.

The Building Life-Cycle Cost Program BLCC 5.3-05 is a program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to provide computational support for the analysis of capital investments in buildings. Associated programs DISCOUNT 3.9-05, EMISS 1.0, and ERATES 1.11 are stand-alone programs that enhance life-cycle cost analysis. EERC 1.0-05 is a program to calculate an escalation rate for contract payments for financed projects when payments are based on projected annual energy cost savings. Handbook 135 (PDF 9.21 MB, 222 pp), the Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), explains in detail the principles of life-cycle cost analysis and integrates them with the FEMP criteria. The Annual Supplement to Handbook 135 (ASHB 135), Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis, contains tables of present-value factors calculated with the same discount rates and energy price projections as are used in the computer programs.

All of the referenced programs and publications my be downloaded at no cost from the Internet at http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/information/download_blcc.cfm.

BridgeLCC, Life-Cycle Costing Software for the Preliminary Design of Bridges, Software and Users Manual

Mark A Ehlen

NIST GCR 03-853. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Applied Economics, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8603. 2003. CD plus 89 page softbound manual or download from the Internet at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/bridgelcc/welcome.html. Free.

BridgeLCC is user-friendly life-cycle costing software developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help bridge engineers assess the cost effectiveness of new, alternative construction materials. The software uses a life-cycle costing methodology based on both ASTM standard E 917 and a cost classification developed at NIST.

BridgeLCC is specifically tailored for comparing new and conventional bridge materials --- for example, high-performance concrete versus conventional concrete --- but works equally well when analyzing alternative conventional materials. Also, it can be used to analyze pavements, piers, and other civil infrastructure.

BridgeLCC runs in Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, and XP. The software, along with related publications describing the underlying life-cycle costing methodologies, can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/bridgelcc/welcome.html.

Competencies in Project Management: National Competence Baseline for Scandinavia

Morten Fangel, editor

Published by the Association of Danish Project Management, Norwegian Association of Project Management, and Swedish Project Management Society. Distributed by Association of Danish Project Management, Saettedammen 4, DK-3400 Hilleroed, Denmark. 2005. E-mail: info@projektforeningen.dk. 170 pages, softbound plus CD. ISBN: 87-502-0822-5.

This valuable new book is intended to be used as a tool with which to assess competenceies in project management. It is not a textbook on project management. Rather it is intended to provided the tools necessary for conducting a self-assessment of project management compentencies in connection with project management certification programs which are validated by the International Project Management Association (IPMA). The present volume is a revision and expansion of the IPMA Competence Baseline and is intended to provide a common framework for the Scandinavian National Certification organizations to carry out the IPMA Certification Programme in their specific countries.

The book actually goes well beyond its stated sphere of influence and provides an effective tool for use in any country to assist in evaluating project management competence. It is extremely well wrtten. Each competence element is explained in a succinct manner. Clear and easy to use self evaluation forms are provided for each area of competence. The enclosed CD provides all of the forms for ready printing as needed. The strength of the book lies in its overlapping three stage approach to competence assessment, ie assessment of leadership behavior, experience applications, and method applications. This book is highly recommended for use by anyone who is considering seeking certification under any of the IPMA certification programmes. It is also a valuable self-assessment tool for any project professional whether or not he or she is interested in obtaining certification.

Proactive Management of Uncertainty using the Successive Principle

Steen Lichtenberg

Polyteknisk Press, Anker Vej 1, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark. Distributed by Lichtenberg & Partners, Strandvejen 203, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark. 2000. E-mail: steen@lichtenberg.org: Internet: http://www.lichtenberg.org. 334 pages, hardbound. ISBN: 87-502-0822-5. 39 Euro or US$ plus 14 Euro or US$ shipping.

Steen Lichtenberg's technique of managing uncertainty in projects is well know throughout Europe and is widely used to assess project risk, particularly in the Scandinavian countries. Dr. Lichtenberg refers to his method of conducting risk analysis as "Using the Successive Principle." The Successive Principle is a method of " ...uncertainty analysis which starts with a limited number of items or activities, then adds to the model by successively breaking down the most uncertain aspects into more detail." The approach is in many ways very similar to the range estimating technique developed in the United States by Michael Curran of Decision Sciences Corporation (http://uncertain.com).

The Lichtenberg technique differs from that of Curran primarily in the method of determining which variables are the critical ones to be examined in conducting the risk analysis, the Curran techinique relying on quantitive measures of the potential effect of variables on the project outcome while the Lichtenberg technique is somewhat more qualitative. With that exception, both techniques rely on concensus of the project stakeholders to evaluate the variables and both techniques work from the "top down" ie, what Lichtenberg call the "successive principle."

This book is a very clearly written explanation of Lichtenberg's technique and is amply illustrated with examples, case studies, and exercises. It is an invaluable guide to effectively conducting project risk analysis.

2005 AACE International Transactions

AACE International, 2005

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD ROM, US $74.95 to AACEI members; US $99.95 to non-members. Looseleaf paper version: US $165 to AACEI members; US $190 to non-members.

This edition of AACE International Transactions includes the papers which were presented at the 2005 AACE International Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, USA. Included are 93 papers are covering claims and dispute resolution, cost/schedule control, estimating, professional development, global projects, IT/IM in project and cost management, project management, planning and scheduling, and decision and risk management. This edition also includes details of the Certified Cost Engineer/Certified Cost Consultant, Planning & Scheduling Professionsl, and Earned Value Professional Certification programs offered by AACE International.

PPG #8: Contingency, Second Edition (CD)

Kul B Uppal PE (Editor), AACE International, 2005

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$38.50 to AACEI members; US$58.50 to non-members. 587 pages. ISBN 1-885517-27-0.

This second edition of AACE's Professional Practice Guide to Contingency has been greatly expanded with the addition of more than 100 pages of technical papers. The publication includes 91 timeless articles reprinted from Cost Engineering magazine and AACE Transactions from 1980 through 2004. Included are 17 articles on general contingency topics, 8 articles on estimating and contingency, 16 articles on risk analysis and contingency, and 50 articles on related topics. This new CD provides an extensive collection of major articles related to contingency in project estimates.

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PPG #13: Parametric and Conceptual Estimating, Second Edition (CD)

Larry R Dysert CCC, Bruce G. Elliott CCC and Douglas W Leo CCC (Editors), AACE International, 2004

AACE International, 209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: http://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. US$38.50 to AACEI members; US$58.50 to non-members. 587 pages. ISBN 1-885517-44-0.

This CD offers perhaps the most complete collection of technical articles and information on parametric and conceptual estimating which is available anywhere. The second edition of this AACE Professional Practice Guide has been expanded by over 200 pages from the previous edition. The papers go back to as early as 1958 and include classic articles by noted authorities such as W E Hand, J H Black, C A Miller, and W J Dodge, four of the pioneers of cost engineering, and many others. The CD includes 136 classic articles reprinted from Cost Engineering magazine, AACE Recommended Practices and Standards, and AACE Transactions. Included are 19 articles giving an overview of parametric/conceptual estimating, 3 articles on estimate classification, 27 articles on estimating methodology, 9 on capacity factoring, 34 on process industry estimating, 25 on estimating in other industries (primarily building construction), and 19 on estimating systems.

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April 2005 Reviews

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Means ADA Compliance Pricing Guide

Adaptive Environments Centre Inc and R S Means Engineering Staff (Collaboration), RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2nd Ed., 2004

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2004. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 370 pages, softbound. US $79.95. ISBN 0-87629-739-4.

This new work, a collaboration between the Adaptive Environments Center and the RS Means Engineering Staff addresses the Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities of the United States and costs associated with compliance with the Act (ADA). While it may seem that this work is of little interest to those outside of the United States, that assumption is incorrect as the book provides a wealth of information on making facilities handicapped accessible.

The book provides design requirements and suggestions and cost estimating information for 74 different types of accessibility projects including parking and drop-off, pathways and curbcuts, ramps, lifts, stairs, doorways and entrances, interior accessible routes, elevators, telephones, drinking fountains, alarm systems and controls, signage, toilet rooms, bathing facilities, retail services, assembly areas, safety, kitchens, closets, lodging, and recreational facilities. Some case studies are provided as are unit cost and location adjustment factors for many US and Canadian cities.

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The Practice of Cost Segregation Analysis

Bruce A Desrosiers and Wayne J DelPico, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2004

PO Box 800, Kingston, MA 02364-0800, USA, 2004. Phone: 1 800 334 3509 (US) or 1 781 422 5000 (other countries). Fax: 1 800 632 6732 (US) or 1 781 585 8814 (other countries). Internet Secure Site: http://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 227 pages, hardbound. US $89.95. ISBN 0-87629-744-0.

This new book from RS Means is primarily of interest to US residents and businesses but will also have relevance to foreign companies with US-based assets. Because of US tax law changes in recent years and recent court decisions, in certain instances costs of physical facilities may be reclassified and segregated in a manner permitting use of accelerated depreciation of certain assets with resultant cash flow benefits.

This book discusses the use of cost segregation studies to identify assets for which substantial tax savings may be possible using accelerated depreciation. The analysis breaks down construction and acquisition costs and allocates them to specific categories of tangible personal property, land improvements, and real property. Without such a study, it is difficult for a property owner to separate all of the personal property and land improvement costs, as well as indirect costs, from the total cost of a building. Without segregating these costs, the property is generally subject to 27.5 or 30-year straight line depreciation versus much shorter term accelerated depreciation if the costs are segregated. Depending upon effective tax rates and discount rates, substantial savings can often be achieved on a net present value basis.

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Project and Cost Engineers' Handbook

Kenneth K. Humphreys (Editor), Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2005

Distributed by CRC Press, 2000 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431-9868, USA. Phone: +1 800 272 7737 (US), +44 (0) 1264 342926 (UK), +1 561 994 0555 (other countries). Fax: +1 800 374 3401 (US), +44 (0) 1264 343005 (UK), or +1 561 361 6018 (other countries). Internet: http://www.dekker.com. E-mail: orders@crcpress.com. 336 pages, hardbound, US $79.79 / £44.99. ISBN 0-8247-5746-7.

This new edition of the Project and Cost Engineers' Handbook retains the features of previous editions and now contains discussions of international project considerations, project risk analysis and contingency, ethical considerations, and the effect of the Internet on project and cost engineering work. It provides a detailed checklist of the actions which must be taken prior to undertaking a multi-national project to assure project success.

In response to the proliferation of business scandals and corporate mismanagement in recent years, the book contains a new chapter on ethics in international project work. The chapter explores the ethics of using computer software as a substitute for practical engineering judgement and experience and the pitfalls of such actions. The book also contains updated information on the Certified Cost Engineer (CCE) and Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) certification programs of AACE International, as well as the new Interim Cost Consultant (ICC) entry level certification and certification as a Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP). An appendix provides an extensive guide to project and cost related Internet sites.

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