Reviews of publications about cost engineering, quantity surveying, and project management related subjects from around the world.

Books and Software in English

Books and Software in Spanish

English

AACE International (AACEI)1.

2009 AACE International Transactions. AACE International, 2009

2. 2008 AACE International Transactions. AACE International, 2008

3. 2007 AACE International Transactions. AACE International, 2007

4. 2006 AACE International Transactions. AACE International, 2006

5. 2005 AACE International Transactions. AACE International, 2005

Adaptive Environments Centre Inc and R S Means Engineering Staff (Collaboration)

Means ADA Compliance Pricing Guide: Cost Data for 75 Essential Projects. 2nd ed., RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 5th ed., 2004

Brienzo, Kenneth D. PE (Editor)

AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Risk, Second Edition (CD). AACE International, 2007

Chiang, John PE and Waier, Philip PE (Editors)

RS Means Unit Price Estimating Methods. Updated 4th Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

Chiras, Daniel D.

Green Home Improvement. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2008

Cleland, David and Gareis, Roland (Editors)

Global Project Management Handbook. 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill, 2006

Compass International Consultants, Inc.

^*1. Front End/Conceptual Estimating Yearbook. Compass International Consultants, 2010

^*2. Global Construction Yearbook. Compass International Consultants, 2010

^*3. International Hi-Tech/Manufacturing/Cleanroom Facilities Estimating Yearbook. Compass International Consultants, 2010

^*4. International Procurement Yearbook. Compass International Consultants, 2010

^*5. Worldwide Industrial/Commercial Construction Schedule of Rates Yearbook. Compass International Consultants, 2010

Cost Data On Line, Inc.

1. Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards. Cost Data On Line, Inc., 2007

2. Richardson^TM International Construction Cost Factor Manual. Cost Data On Line, Inc., 2007

Desrosiers, Bruce A and DelPico, Wayne J

The Practice of Cost Segregation Analysis. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2004

Del Puerto, Carla Lopez CCC and Gransberg, Dr. Douglas D PE CCE (Editors)

AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (CD). AACE International, 2007

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers (DACE)

DACE Labour Norms. Dutch Association of Cost Engineers, 2009

* DACE Prijzenboekje. 27th edition, Dutch Association of Cost Engineers and Reed Business Information, 2009

Dysert, Larry R CCC; Elliott, Bruce G CCC and Leo, Douglas W CCC (Editors)

PPG #13: Parametric and Conceptual Estimating, Second Edition (CD). AACE International, 2004

Ehlen, Mark A

BridgeLCC, Life-Cycle Costing Software for the Preliminary Design of Bridges, Software and Users Manual. United States of America, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Applied Economics, 2003

Fee, Sylvia H.

RS Means Landscape Estimating Methods. Updated 5th Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

Fangel, Morton (Editor)

Competencies in Project Management: National Competence Baseline for Scandinavia. Association of Danish Project Management, Norwegian Association of Project Management, and Swedish Project Management Society, 2005

Ganaway, Nick B

Construction Business Management: What Every Construction Contractor, Building & Subcontractor Need to Know. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 2006

Hollman, John K (Editor)

Total Cost Management Framework, A Process for Applying the Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering. AACE International, 2006

Humphreys, Gary C.

Project Management Using Earned Value. Humphreys & Associates, 2002

Humphreys, Kenneth K (Editor)

Project and Cost Engineers’ Handbook. 4th edition, Marcel Dekker Inc, 2005

Lichtenberg, Steen

Proactive Management of Uncertainty using the Successive Principle. Polyteknisk Press, 2005

Lippert, Barbara

BEES^® 3.0, Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability, Software, Technical Manual and User Guide. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Technology Adminstration, 2002

Macaluso, Joseph L CCC (Editor)

1. AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Public Sector Estimating (CD). AACE International, 2007

2. AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Green Building (CD). AACE International, 2007

Moncrief, Eugene and Curran, Kevin

Appraising Management Performance: The Bubble Management Approach. Industrial Press, New York, 2006

Mossman, Melville (Senior Editor) and Linde, Carl W. (Illustrator)

RS Means Mechanical Estimating Methods. Updated 4th Edition. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

Pugliese, Michael

The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

Rapp, Dr. Randy R. PE CCE (Editor)

AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Portfolio and Program Management, 2nd Edition (CD). AACE International, 2007

Rawlinsons Publishing

^* 1. Rawlinsons Process Engineering Handbook. 1st edition, Rawlinsons Publishing, 2009

^* 2. Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook. 28th edition, Rawlhouse Publishing Pty. Ltd., 2010

^* 3. Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide For Housing, Small Commercial and Industrial Buildings. 187th edition, Rawlhouse Publishing Pty. Ltd., 2010

Reid, C. R. A. (Tony)

Project Controls: A Practitioner’s Guide to the Key Topics, . The Assessment Service Center (TASC), 2009

Rider Levett Bucknall

International Construction Cost Summary. Rider Llevett Bucknall, 2007

RS Means, Reed Construction Data
Note: All of the RS Means cost data books and CDs discussed below come with free access to the Means Hotline for personalized help in using the Means data.
Also included are quarterly cost update reports on market indicators and construction price trends.

^* 1. Means CostWorks 2010. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2010

^* 2. RS Means Building Construction Cost Data, 2010. 68th Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

^* 3. RS Means Labor Rates for the Construction Industry, 2010. 37th Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

^* 4. RS Means Square Foot Costs, 2010. 31st Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

^* 5. RS Means Electrical Cost Data, 2010. 33nd Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

^* 6. RS Means Mechanical Cost Data, 2010. 33nd Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

7. RS Means Assemblies Cost Data, 2009. 34th Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2008

8. RS Means Site Work & Landscape Cost Data. 28th Annual Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2008

9. Residential & Light Commercial Construction Standards. 3rd Edition, Updated, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2008

10. Universal Design Ideas for Style, Comfort & Safety. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

11. RS Means Mechanical Estimating Methods. Updated 4th Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

12. Means Spanish/English Construction Dictionary. Expanded 2nd Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

13. RS Means Square Foot & UNIFORMAT Assemblies Estimating. 3rd Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

14. Green Building: Project Planning & Cost Estimating. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

^* 15. RS Means Estimating Handbook. 3rd Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

^* 16. Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary. 3rd Edition, Unabridged, With CD ROM, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2000

^* 17. The USG Gypsum Construction Handbook. 6th Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

RS Means, Reed Construction Data and Mubarak, Saleh A

How to Estimate with Means Data & CostWorks. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

Semolic, Brane and Dworatschek, Sebastian (Editors)

Project Management in the New Geo-Economy and the Power of Project Organization, IPMA and ICEC Expert Seminars. IPMA, 2004

Simpson, Scot

Complete Book of Framing: An Illustrated Guide for Residential Construction. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

Slovensko Združenje za Projektni Managementa (ZPM)

Proceedings of the 1st ICEC & IPMA Global Congress on Project Management. 2006

Slovensko Združenje za Projektni Management (ZPM), Kovac, Jure (Editor in chief) and Arh, Tanja (Technical Editor)

Project Management Review (Projektna Mreza Slovenije). Slovensko združenje za projektni management (ZPM)

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)

BLCC, Building life-cycle cost programs. United States of America, 2005

Uppal, Kul B PE (Editor)

1. PPG #8: Contingency, Second Edition (CD). AACE International, 2005

2. AACE International’s Professional Practice Guide to Cost Engineering in the Global Environment (CD). AACE International, 2007

Werremeyer, Kit

Construction Business Management: A Contractors and Subtractors Guide to Protecting Assets. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

Wing, Charlie

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home. RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

Spanish/Español

RS Means, Reed Construction Data

Means Diccionario Inglés/Español de la Construcción. Expanded 2nd Edition, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

Peimbert, Juan B.

1. Costos de Instalaciones Hidrosanitarias. Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

2. Costos de Instalaciones Eléctricas y Aire Acondicionado. Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Varela Ingeneria de Costos

M², Costos por Metro Cuadro de Construcción (CD). Varela Ingeneria de Costos

Varela, Leopoldo

1. Costos por Metro Cuadro de Construcción, Vol. 1 (2005) & Vol. 2 (2009). Varela Ingenieria de Costos

2. Costos de Construcción y Edificaciones, Vol. 1. Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

3. Costos de Construcción Industrial. Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

4. Ingeniería de Costos Teoría y Práctica en Construcción. Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2007

5. Costos de Construcción Pesada, Vol. 1 (2005), Vol. 2 (2009)& Vol. 3 (2009). Varela Ingeneria de CostosReturn to list of publications

2011 Reviews 

Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook 2011

29th edition

Rawlhouse Publishing, 16 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale, WA 6103, Australia. Phone: 61 1 1300 730 117. Internet: https://rawlhouse.com/. 952 pages, hardbound. AU $375 (GST included); AU $340 plus packing and shipping to addresses outside of Australia. ISSN 0810-8064.

The 2011 edition of Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook continues to be the most extensive source of construction ciost information for Australia. Substantial cost information for medium to large projects (buildings over AU $750,000) is provided along with some limited data for smaller projects. The bulk of the book provides detailed unit price information for building components in Adelade, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Substantial data is also provided for the costs of refurbishing and recycling buildings; labour and plant constants; and building planning, administration and management including green design. 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 1982 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.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 international section of the book 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 Kina, Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Cape Town, South Africa; Bangkok, Thailand; London, UK; Los Angeles, USA; and Port Vila, Vanatu.In our opinion Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook continues to be a must have reference volume for anyone concerned with building costs in Australia or with cost comparisons between countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Return to list of publications

Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide 2010 For Housing, Small Commercial and Industrial Buildings 2011 (19th Edition)

 

Rawlhouse Publishing, 16 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale, WA 6103, Australia. Phone: 61 1 1300 730 117. Internet: https://rawlhouse.com/. 291 pages, softbound.
AU $248 including GST; AU $226 plus packing and shipping to addresses outside of Australia.

As was the case for prior editions of this book, Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide continues to provide extensive unit cost data for housing, small commercial and industrial buildings throughout Australia. The format and content of the book is unchanged except for updating of all data within the book. Thus users of earlier editions will find the current edition to be a very familiar source of data and information.The book continues to include 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 (GST) tax system. As always, this book continues to be a “must have” volume for those concerned with Australian building construction costs.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Building Construction Cost Data, 2011, 69th Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2011

 

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 885 pages, softbound. US $169.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-746-9, ISSN 0068-3531.

As is the case with Means Cost Works, it is difficult to say anything about Means Building Construction Cost Data (BCCD) which has not been said many times before. BCCD is the clear best-seller of the many RS Means data books and has been a primary reference source of building cost information since 1942. It is the “bible” of building cost information. That said, dispite its acknowledged leadership in the field of building cost data books, RS Means always seems to come up with new and useful information to add in addition to updating all of the cost data in the book. BCCD includes information on sustainable construction, building deconstruction and on-site environmental remediation; green building products such as high efficiency toilets and urinals; and location factors for more than 930 locations in the United States and Canadia. The book provides US national average costs which can be adjusted using the location factors to any specific US or Canadian location. The book is primarily aimed at new construction projects costing us $1,000,000 and up, or large multi-family housing projects. However it 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 2004 CSI 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.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Facilities Maintenance & Repair Cost Data, 2011, 18th Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2011

 

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 693 pages, softbound. US $389.95. ISBN 978-1-936335-08-4, ISSN 1074-0953.

The RS Means Facilities Maintenance & Repair Cost Data book is an excellent publication that is designed as a complete reference and cost data source for facility managers, facility owners, engineers, contractors and anyone who manages real estate. It provides a time/material reference for Maintenance & Repair tasks, Preventative Maintenance checklists, General Maintenance reference, Life Cycle Cost Analysis explanations and data to validate budget items. It also provides guidance on facility audits, a foundation for Maintenance & Repair/Preventative Maintenance & General Maintenance Budgets, cost data that can be used to estimate Preventative Maintenance/Deferred Maintenance/General Maintenance programs and detailed task descriptions for establishing a complete Facility Management Program.

Whilst the Facility Managament profession is relatively new this is the 18th annual edition of this publication. This provides a good indication that RS Means are one of the leading pioneers in providing facility management cost data. The book is highly recommended to professionals in the field.

Return to list of publications

2010 Reviews

2010 Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook

Compass International Consultants, Inc., 2010

PO Box 1295, Morrisville, PA 19067, USA. Phone/Fax: 1 215 504 9777. Internet: https://www.compassinternational.net/books.html. E-mail: info@compassinternational.net. 552 pages, loose-leaf. US $425.00. ISBN 0-9725845-3-6. Also available in CD-ROM and pdf formats at same price.

In 1996 John G. McConville authored 1996 International Construction Cost and Reference Data Yearbook which presented a wealth of valuable cost information for many countries. This reviewer found the book to be an extremely useful reference volume for many countries and was disappointed when the then publisher, John Wiley & Sons, did not continue to release updated annual editions. Subsequently McConville arranged with Compass International to publish future editions of the book and to maintain the required database to permit annual updates. Retitled as Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook the book is now in its 10th annual edition and has four other supporting books which are described below.

The Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook attempts to fill the need for international construction data to support the preparation of accurate and timely estimates, both for general construction and for process industry construction. The first section of the book provides an introduction to global construction, engineering and procurement and provides extensive tables of North American benchmarks. The third section is a reference section providing source information for global cost data, key topics to be considered when estimating for another country, and a listing of information sources. The second section of the book is the real meat of its content, almost 500 pages of cost data for 94 countries. As was true of John McConville’s first book, the information which is provided for each country is of necessity somewhat variable and depends upon the relative availability of information, small second- and third-world countries tending to have less information than larger and more developed nations. At a minimum, the book provides demographic information and some average information on inflation rates, tax rates (VAT/GST), skilled and unskilled wage rates, productivity information, square foot unit costs, and construction equipment rental information for each country. Associations or organizations which are sources of information are listed. For more developed countries the information is quite extensive and detailed. A & E fees are provided for various types of work; labor rates are listed by craft; unit costs of materials are shown; square foot costs of various types of buildings are cited, and much more. Space does not permit a full description of everything which is included in this valuable work. Suffice it to say that anyone who is concerned with estimating in various countries will find Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook to be a valuable addition to his/her professional library.

Return to list of publications

2010 Front End/Conceptual Estimating Yearbook

Compass International Consultants, Inc., 2010

PO Box 1295, Morrisville, PA 19067, USA. Phone/Fax: 1 215 504 9777. Internet: https://www.compassinternational.net/books.html. E-mail: info@compassinternational.net. 506 pages, loose-leaf. US $395.00. ISBN 0-9725845-2-8. Also available in CD-ROM and pdf formats at same price.

Now in its 9th annual edition, this useful reference volume is designed as an aid and guide to early-on (conceptual) estimating of capital investments. Conceptual estimates are most often done by or for project owners to guide feasibility and investment decisions. Typically design details have not yet been determined and supporting information is thus incomplete. Nevertheless an estimate is needed upon which to base a decision to either proceed with the project, to abandon it or to conduct further studies. This form of estimate of necessity is of limited accuracy and factors, historical information, benchmarks based on other past projects, literature sources and other techniques are utilized in the effort to produce a reasonable meaningful early-on estimate. This excellent guide to conceptual estimating concepts is divided into 13 major sections and sub-sections. The first section discusses conceptual estimates and the estimating process. The second section reviews the questions that need to be asked before and during the preparation of the estimate. Next is an extensive discussion of estimating methods which is followed by eight sections covering man-hour benchmarking, site selection and data sources, value engineering, unit pricing, square foot estimating, and much more. A long section then follows which provides extensive data and information on process industry equipment, and the final section covers semi-detailed estimating methods.
This reviewer has extensive experience in conceptual estimating and has only two minor criticisms of the book. First is that the book unfortunately does not have a sequential numbering system which makes it difficult to locate the various items which are listed in the table of contents. Hopefully this will be corrected in the next edition. The other and more important criticism is in the use of the term “6/10 rule” in the book. The term refers to the well-known cost-capacity equation in which capital costs are described as proportional to the ratio of capacities of two facilities taken to a power n. The exponent n has historically been stated as averaging 0.6 which is the origin of the term “6/10 rule”. However this is a misnomer in that the exponent varies over a wide range as the book explains. To perpetuate the “6/10 rule” as the name of the equation is an error which persists in the literature. Many people blindly apply the equation using 0.6 as the value of n, when in fact the correct value is rarely 0.6. The authors of the book would do the profession a big favor in future editions by dropping the term “6/10 rule” and instead refer to it as the “cost-capacity equation”. Old habits are hard to get rid of and this is one habit of the profession which needs to be eliminated. That said, these are minor criticisms on what is otherwise a very useful volume.

2010 International Hi-Tech Manufacturing/Cleanroom Facilities Estimating Yearbook

Compass International Consultants, Inc., 2010

PO Box 1295, Morrisville, PA 19067, USA. Phone/Fax: 1 215 504 9777. Internet: https://www.compassinternational.net/books.html. E-mail: info@compassinternational.net. 372 pages, loose-leaf. US $350.00. Also available in CD-ROM and pdf formats at same price.

This is the 6th annual edition of this book which the publisher describes as “innovative.” The adjective is quite appropriate as this book fills a major hole in the cost literature in attempting to compile in one volume cost-related information for facilities in the hi-tech and pharmaceutical industries. These industries are growing rapidly yet the availability of cost information for them is limited at best. This book goes a long way toward closing that gap. Its three sections (each unfortunately numbered independently) describe the estimating process and provide much in the way of useful estimating information. Benchmarking data is plentiful in the book and extensive cost information, much of it quite detailed, is given for a large number of facilities. Section one covers square foot and square meter costs. Section two provides general capital cost estimating data and benchmarking information. Section three is replete with unit price information and extensive discussions of various capital cost estimating topics such as change orders, claims, value engineering, contingency and risk and deliverables. Also included are a glossary of terms and a listing of other providers and sources of capital cost estimating information.

Return to list of publications

2010 International Procurement Yearbook, 2nd Annual Edition

Compass International Consultants, Inc., 2010

PO Box 1295, Morrisville, PA 19067, USA. Phone/Fax: 1 215 504 9777. Internet: https://www.compassinternational.net/books.html. E-mail: info@compassinternational.net. 262 pages, loose-leaf. US $350.00. Also available in CD-ROM and pdf formats at same price.

This companion volume to Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook provides country and procurement benchmark data for more than 121 countries. The type of government, GDP, inflation rate, tax rate, typical wage and salary rates, productivity information vs. USA Gulf Coast and more is provided in a concise table for each country. Topics of discussion include global procurement, purchase orders and contracts, contract types, international procurement issues, and other topics which are relevant to international procurement. Samples of international and US construction and consulting contracts are also included. This is another very useful volume from Compass International.

Return to list of publications

2010 Worldwide Industrial/Commercial Construction Schedule of Rates Yearbook

Compass International Consultants, Inc., 2010

PO Box 1295, Morrisville, PA 19067, USA. Phone/Fax: 1 215 504 9777. Internet: https://www.compassinternational.net/books.html. E-mail: info@compassinternational.net. 308 pages, loose-leaf. US $350.00. Also available in CD-ROM and pdf formats at same price.

Another companion volume to Global Construction Cost and Reference Yearbook, this new book is essentially a databook of construction rates following Divisions 1-17. Extensive tables provide US unit costs for materials and union labor and for construction equipment in industrial/commercial construction. Divisions 1-16 are the 16 CSI divisions and division 17 covers process and manufacturing equipment. The first section of the book (Division 0) provides location factor information for process facilities and for general construction in 134 countries vs. the US costs. Information on duties and tax rates are also provided for 193 countries. In addition city location factors are provided for over 200 US cities and some foreign cities. Division 00 of the book provides extensive benchmarking information. As stated, this is a databook, not a textbook and as such it contains very limited text and discussion. However it accomplishes its objective as a databook quite well.

 

Return to list of publications

February 2010 Reviews

Rawlinsons Process Engineering Handbook, 1st Edition

Rawlinsons Publishing, 2009

16 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale, WA 6103, Australia. Phone: 61 1 1300 730 117. Internet: https://rawlhouse.com/. 476 pages, hardbound. AU $330 (Australia); $300 + freight charge (other countries). ISBN 978-0-9587406-9-2.

The exceptional new book provides construction, project management and estimating information for the process and mining industries. It is essentially a rather comprehensive data book of labor information which is useful in preparing estimates. Labor hours are provided for pipe estimating, structural steel erection, tank fabrication, duct fabrication, civil construction, mechanical and electrical installation including instrumentation, and use of plastics. The book begins with a major section on terminology, proceeds to eight major sections providing labor and related information for each of the subjects listed above, and concludes with an extensive section of general information and technical data covering piping, structural steel, welding, consumables, scaffolding, materials, mensuration, corrosion rates and more. Labor information in the various tables is based upon an Australian productivity rate of 1.0 and must be adjusted for other countries. Relative productivity factors for other countries are available from Cost Data On-Line (see below). Rawlinsons Process Engineering Handbook is a welcome addition to the literature and should prove to be a valuable reference source for the process estimator. There is little to quibble with in this book other than some minor difficulty in interpreting the units of measure in a few tables and in a bit of misinterpretation of the AACE International (formerly the American Association of Cost Engineers) classifications of estimate accuracy. Interested persons are referred to Recommended Practice #18R-97 on the AACE website for clarification of the AACE recommendations.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Estimating Handbook, 3rd Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2009

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 935 pages, hardbound. US $99.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-273-0.

This comprehensive book is subtitled as “the essential reference required for construction estimating and cost analysis.” While that may sound like a rather self-serving sub-title it is close to the mark. The book is arranged according to the 2004 CSI MasterFormat classification system with sections devoted to the 48 MasterFormat Divisions. Each section provides helpful estimating tips, an estimating checklist, and extensive well-illustrated tables and charts of estimating data and information. Following the 48 Division sections of the book, there are ten appendices of additional information covering square foot and preliminary estimating; weights, measures, equivalents and conversions; metric conversions and equivalents; weather data, LEED^® for new construction and renovation, and much more. This volume is indeed a useful reference for the building construction estimator or quantity suryeyor.

Return to list of publications

Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary, 3rd Edition, Unabridged

RS Means Company, Inc., 2000

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 790 pages, hardbound plus CD-ROM. US $99.95. ISBN-13 978-0-87629-538-0, ISBN-10 0-87629-538-331.

This is a “two-for-one” publication, a comprehensive construction dictionary in a hardbound book plus the entire text in a searchable CD-ROM. The book and CD are an exhaustive compilation of almost 19,000 construction terms, phrases and concepts covering all aspects of construction. Over 1,200 illustrations and line drawings amplify the written definitions. The CD-ROM which comes with the book includes the entire text of the book in searchable form and is supplemented with added information for many terms. In many cases more detailed graphics appear on the CD than in the printed version of the book. Many terms are also expanded on the CD with an in-depth discussion of a concept or practice. The CD also provides a link to a special means “Home Port” on the Internet which provides updated information as new terms become recognized by the construction industry. This is another “must” volume for the construction professional to have on the bookshelf

Return to list of publications

The USG Gypsum Construction Handbook, 6th Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2009

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 556 pages, softbound. US $29.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-258-7.

The new book is the sixth in a series dating back to 1905 when the first edition was published under the auspices of USG Corporation (formerly US Gypsum). It is essentially a “how to” book covering proper use and installation of gypsum-based products in construction. The preface refers to it as a “toolbox companion” for the craftsperson. It provides technical information for architects and engineers; data on all aspects of gypsum products and their installation for contractors and builders; illustrated instructions and techniques for the journeyman; and appropriate information to guide building inspectors and code officials. Chapters cover drywall and veneer plaster products, framing, cladding, backerboard installation, finishing, acoustical ceilings, and more. New to this edition are chapters on sustainability, building sciences, information on tools & safety practices, and an extensive glossary of construction terms.

Return to list of publications

Means Cost Works 2010

RS Means Company, Inc., 2010

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. CD ROM and on-line versions. Pricing varies depending upon selected features.

Each year as this reviewer looks at the latest edition of CostWorks, it becomes increasingly difficult to say anything new about this excellent product. Suffice it to say that CostWorks, now in its 14th release, provides on one CD the entire database 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, Green Project Planning and Residential Repair & Remodeling. Cost Works is an incredibly useful tool which literally enables the user to have the entire set of R. S. Means cost books and many other valuable estimating aids right at the fingertips and in a form which can be easily used in the field on a laptop without need to have access to a voluminous stack of bound books. 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 or Canada 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. 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.

Return to list of publications

 

RS Means Labor Rates for the Construction Industry, 37th Annual Edition

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2009

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 344 pages, softbound. US $379.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-999-9, ISSN 0098-3608.

The 37th Annual Edition of Means Labor Rates for the Construction Industry provides detailed 2010 union wage rates for major 46 building construction trades in 314 US and Canadian cities. Base hourly wage rates plus fringe benefit costs are shown. Historical wage rates for 2008 and 2009 are also provided. Each wage rate is compared to the average for 30 major US cities. Average historical wage rates for the 30 cities are also provided going back to 2006. 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 46 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 as it has been since it original publication 37 years ago.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Square Foot Costs, 2010, 31st Annual Edition

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2008

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 506 pages, softbound. US $184.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-829-9, ISSN 0068-3531.

Following the format of earlier editions, Means Square Foot Costs provides pricing information for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. Square foot costs are provided for different levels of residential 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 more than 900 US and Canadian locations and historical cost indexes are provided for the various locations dating back to 1940.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Mechanical Cost Data, 2010, 33rd Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2009

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 740 pages, softbound. US $169.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-819-0, ISSN 0068-3531.

Means Mechanical Cost Data maintains the basic format of Means Building Construction Cost Data (BCCD) but is limited to those areas of primary concern to the mechanical estimator. The various CSI Division information is expanded significantly from that provided in BCCD in order to provide more specific detail about mechanical components and their installation. A mechanical assemblies section is included covering domestic water distribution, energy supply, heat generating systems, cooling systems, HVAC distribution systems, controls & instrumentation, terminal & package units, fume exhaust systems, and other HVAC systems and equipment. Also included are sections on building site preparation, water supply, sanitary and storm sewers, and fuel distribution. The reference section covers the same topics as are covered in Means Electrical Cost Data (see below) but reflecting mechanical systems rather than electrical.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Electrical Cost Data, 2010, 33rd Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 2009

63 Smiths Lane, Kingston, MA 02364-3008, 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 596 pages, softbound. US $169.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-748-3, ISSN 0068-3531.

As is the case with Means Mechanical Cost Data above, Means Electrical Cost Data maintains the basic format of Means Building Construction Cost Data (BCCD) but is limited to those areas of primary concern to the electrical estimator. The various CSI Division information is expanded significantly from that provided in BCCD in order to provide more specific detail about electrical components and installation. An assemblies section is included which covers all major electrical assemblies in buildings – electric water heaters, electric boilers, electrical service and distribution, lighting and branch wiring, communications and security and other electrical systems. An extensive reference section is provided giving, among other things, equipment rental costs, crew listings, square foot costs, reference tables, and location factors for over 900 US and Canadian cities and locations.

Return to list of publications

January 2010 Review

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers Price Book, 27th Edition

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers Prijzenboeke

27th Edition. Dutch Association of Cost Engineers and Reed Business Information, 2009

PO Box 1058, 3860 BB Nijkerk, The Netherlands E-mail: info@dace.nl. 226 pages, softbound. ISBN: 978-90-5895-0123. Published by Reed Business Information bv, PO Box 808, 7000 BA Doetinchem, The Netherlands; E-mail: abonnementen.bouw@reedbusiness.nl. 119 Euro including VAT. Postage and handling additional.

The Dutch Association of Cost Engineers and Reed Business have just released the 27th 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 27th edition retains the pocket size format of previous editions. New piping [Victaulic connections] tables have been added. It 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

Return to list of publications

October 2009 Reviews (Spanish/Español)

Costos de Instalación Hidrosanitaria

Ing. Juan Peimbert

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. 504 pp. US $ 117.00+ p&h.ISBN: 970-619-014-7.

Con 1300 matrices: Filtros, Soportería, Muebles Sanitarios y accesorios, Trampas, Válvulas, Tubo y conexiones de cobre, acero soldable, cobre para Gas, fibrocemento, Fierro Fundido, Acero Galvanizado, Fierro Negro y PVC. Bombas, llaves inteligentes, acero bridado. DbHidrosanitarias.

Return to list of publications

Costos de Instalaciones Eléctricas y Aire Acondicionado

Ing. Juan Peimbert

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. 346 pp. US $ 117.00+ p&h. ISBN: 970-619-014-7.

754 matrices: cables, conduits, apagadores, contactos, balastras, tableros, lámparas y registros. Aislamiento, conducción y rejillas de aire. Equipos de Aire. Subestaciones, tableros, líneas de transmisión en media y alta tensión con estructuras de soporte según CFE.

Return to list of publications

Costos por Metro Cuadro de Construcción (CD)
m2 El Sistema

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. US $ 135.00+ p&h.

Con tan sólo indicar tipo, clase y superficie construida, este software genera además de un valor de costo total, todo un estimado completo con partidas y conceptos de ensamble que pueden ser modificados para adecuarlos al caso específico: Cimentación, estructura, fachadas, acabados, instalaciones y demás detalles.
* Para antepresupuestos y valores de reposición de construcciones
* Estimados rápidos, aproximados, confiables y sustentados
* Conjuga: información, metodología, factores y programa computacional
* Basado en el libro Costos por Metro cuadrado de Construcción
* Más de 140 modelos de edificaciones y urbanización.
* Más de 2500 ensambles de costo

Return to list of publications

Costos por Metro Cuadro de Construcción, Vol. 1 (2005) & Vol. 2 (2009)

Ing. Leopoldo Varela

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. Vol. 1 170 pp. US $ 70.00+ p&h; Vol. 2 489 pp. US $140. ISBN: 968-7585-00-5.

Es la parte teórico-práctica de la obra. Se presenta tanto la Metodología de Ensambles de Costos (piezas constructivas), así como un derivado de ésta por Componentes (fases o partidas constructivas); Factores, Indices y Modificadores de costo; Estudio de Casos.

Return to list of publications

Costos de Construcción y Edificaciones Vol. 1: Conceptos Elementales

Ing. Leopoldo Varela

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. 513 pp. US $ 117.00+ p&h. ISBN: 968-7585-05-6 / 968-7585-06-4.

Contiene más de 400 matrices de costo unitario: Cimentación superficial, estructura de concreto, albañilería, ventanas, acabados e instalaciones.

Return to list of publications

Costos de Construcción Industrial

Ing. Leopoldo Varela

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. 460 pp. US $ 117.00+ p&h. ISBN: 968-7585-05-6 / 968-7585-06-4.

Tanques, recipientes, torres, tubería conexiones, válvulas, limpieza, protección, soldadura, montaje, estructuras, pruebas y eléctricos. Además, electrógenos, equipo de acondicionamiento de aire, calderas, condensadores e intercambiadores de calor. 909 matrices.

Return to list of publications

Ingeniería de Costos – Teoría y Práctica en Construcción

Ing. Leopoldo Varela

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. 452 pp. US $ 68.00+ p&h.

Libro de Consulta con todo el ” expertise “: Métodos de Estimación de Costos, Análisis de Costos Unitarios, Cálculo de Indirectos, Cómo Ganar Concursos y después…Dinero, Ingeniería de Valor, Casos, Maquinaria y Equipo, Planeación y Control de Obra, Escalación, Cuantificación de Obra, Avalúos, Valor de Reposición y Factores de Afectación
* Descuento para estudiantes y docentes.

Return to list of publications

Costos de Construcción Pesada, Vol. 1 (2005), Vol. 2 (2009) & Vol. 3 (2009)

Ing. Leopoldo Varela

Varela Ingeneria de Costos, 2009

Insurgentes Sur 1991 Torre A-402, Col. Guadalupe Inn, México, D.F. 01020, Mexico. Tel: 55 1084 1680. Fax: 55 1084 1681. Internet: https://www.varela.com.mx. E-mail: clientes@varela.com.mx. Vol. 1, 170 pp. US $ 69.00+ p&h, ISBN: 968-7585-00-5; Vol. 2, 463 pp. US $117+ p&h, ISBN: 968-7585-05-6 & 968-7585-06-4; Vol. 3, 387 pp. US $ 117.00+ p&h, ISBN: 968-7585-05-6 & 968-7585-06-4. ISBN: 968-7585-00-5.

Vol. 1: Cálculo de rendimientos de maquinara para diferentes equipos (tractores, excavadoras, compactación, martillos hidráulicos y cargadores, entre otros), estimación de factores de eficiencia y criterios generales (consumos).
Vol. 2: Con datos y fórmulas teórico-prácticas de rendimientos y costos horarios de equipo, además de matrices únicas de costos unitarios muy detalladas para terracerías, obras de drenaje, pavimentos, riego, líneas de tubería de acero, pozos, obra marítima y urbanizaciones. Cada rendimiento empleado con sustentación. 2,400 matrices.
Vol. 3: Costos unitarios de conceptos de construcción y conservación con especificaciones de la SCT.

Return to list of publications

August 2009 Reviews

Project Controls

A Practitioner’s Guide to the Key Topics

C. R. A. (Tony) Reid

The Assessment Service Centre (TASC), 2009

Lea House, 5 Middlewich Road, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 1Xl, United Kingdom. Phone: 01270 764798. Fax: 01270 766180. E-mail: tasc@acoste.org.uk or tasc-admin@btconnect.com. 106 pages, softbound. £10.00 (ACostE members); £20.00 (non-members). Prices exclusive of packing and postage.

Written to provide guidance and encouragement to candidates embarking on the UK’s National Vocational Qualification in Project Control, this compact book goes far beyond that initial objective. It presents the key requirements for sound project control and is applicable worldwide. Topics include, project execution plans, cost evaluation and control, risk management, document management, change control, progress measurement, status reporting and more. The book is very well illustrated and is extremely readable. Tony Reid writes very clearly in a conversational manner and presents each topic and concept very succinctly but in sufficent detail – a balance which may authors have difficulty achieving. The book is well worth it’s modest price and is highly recommended. Tony Reid is a Fellow and Past President of the Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE). He is a Chartered Engineer and has over 30 years of experience in project controls. TASC is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACostE.

Return to list of publications

2009 AACE International Transactions

Transactions of the 53rd Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington

AACE International

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2009. Internet: https://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD ROM, US $110.00; Loose leaf paper version US $200.00. ISBN: 978-1-885517-72-8.

This edition of AACE International Transactions includes the papers which were presented at the 2009 AACE International 53nd Annual Meeting. This major volume includes 68 technical papers and 55 PowerPoint presentations covering:

* Building and Information Modeling (Two papers, one including the PowerPoint presentation)
* Claims & Dispute Resolution (12 papers, three including the PowerPoint presentation plus two additional PowerPoint presentations)
* Cost & Schedule Control (One paper plus three additional PowerPoint presentations)
* Professional Development (Five papers, two including PowerPoint presentations)
* Estimating (12 papers, eight including a PowerPoint presentation)
* Earned Value Management (Two papers, one including PowerPoint, plus three additional PowerPoint presentations)
* IT/IM in Project & Cost Management (Oone paper with a PowerPoint presentation)
* Owner Issues (Six papers, three with PowerPoint, plus one additional PowerPoint presentation)
* Project Management (Six papers, two with PowerPoint, plus one additional presentation)
* Planning and Scheduling (Ten papers, nine with PowerPoint, plus one additional presentation)
* Decision and Risk Management (Eight papers, four with a PowerPoint presentation, plus one additional presentation)
* Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering (Six PowerPoint presentations)
* Total Cost Management (Three papers, two with PowerPoint, plus one additional presentation) The CD is fully searchable. April 2009 Review

Global Project Management Handbook, 2nd ed.

David Cleland and Roland Gareis, eds., McGraw Hill, New York, 2006

575 pages, hardbound. US $89.95. ISBN-10 0-07-146045-4.
(Amazon.com Kindle Edition. US $89.95. ISBN-13 978-0-07-146045-3

This book is a good example of the type of information that is needed in the Project Management (PM) body of knowledge. Of the 36 chapter authors, 75% are academic and 25% are consultants, employees and others. In spite of 75% of the authors being academic the book does not read like a theoretical manual on Project Management. The chapters are absent the usual equations, tables and charts found in strictly academic articles. Most the content is applied theory, some case studies and can be directly used in one’s work. The book provides both fundamental content and observations on the art of PM. A number of references are made by the editors to the art or soft content of the profession of PM.

Globalization is a term that came early and we have all waited a number of years for the actual effects to be common place. We can all recognize the many micro and macro effects of globalization on our work, family and counties. This book in its second edition is a good example of fitting a need for the type of project management that is becoming more common. In global project management the project team was commonly staffed by personnel from the dominant home county. The European companies did have by definition a good mix of personnel. Today some PM teams can be something of a United Nations of members. We are also seeing PM members from countries that were absent from PM teams such as Russian and China.

Roland Gareis, one of the editor/authors is a proponent of the “project-oriented company”. For him it is not enough to have the capital projects built with by project management. It is better if the whole company implements its business by project management. This reviewer heard him give a presentation in which he explained that even his family is run by project management.

The preface of the book talks about a “tidal wave” of interest in PM. The increasing prominence of Project Management and Cost Management is helping companies and countries better control projects. The book also indicates that PM is a good way to manage change in a global environment. Part one of the book is the State of the Art of Global PM. It has chapters on PM overview, PM history, PM as a business process and future trends in the profession. This leads into the chapters on project life cycles, teamwork development, risk identification/assessment and program/portfolio management. The section is a good lead into the sections and chapters that deal more directly with PM applications. Part two of the book deals with Competency Factors in PM. These are the tactical applications of PM. The definition of the skills of a project manager is covered in one chapter. Other chapters deal with risk management, human resource management and measuring success factor in PM. Roland Gareis also has a chapter on the introduction to the project-oriented company. Part three of the book covers the Management of Global Programs and Projects. This includes outsourcing, quality monitoring. The projects today also have a great need to define and manage what information is needed, generated and how it is managed. This is covered in the chapter on collaborative knowledge framework. Part four is the Management of the Project-oriented Company. Roland Gareis leads off the chapters and more fully defines the project-oriented company. Supporting chapters include monitoring/gauging success, benchmarking, partnering and business process management. art five is National PM and includes chapters on PM in Austria, China, Australia, Romania, and Japan.

— Allen C. Hamilton, PMP CCE, Past President, AACE International and Past Chair, International Cost Engineering Council

Return to list of publications

January/February 2009 Reviews

DACE Labour Norms

Dutch Association of Cost Engineers, 2009

PO Box 1058, 3860 BB Nijkerk, The Netherlands. Internet: https://www.dace.nl; E-mail: info@dace.nl. CD-ROM. € 595 including VAT and shipping.

The Dutch Association of Cost Engineers [DACE] has published a CD-ROM with the DACE Labour Norms both in English and Dutch. This CD-ROM provides guidance in the use of Labour Norms for estimating in all kinds of disciplines that are involved in the construction and maintenance of industrial facilities. The DACE Labour Norms give consideration to location [productivity] factors, indirect costs, project overhead, profit & risk, condition factors and/or efficiency factors. The DACE Labour Norms cover Scaffolding, Piping, Electrical & instrumentation, Insulation [hot] and Painting labour norms.

 

Return to list of publications

RS Means Landscape Estimating Methods, Updated 5th Edition

Sylvia H. Fee, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 323 pages, softbound. US $64.95.
ISBN 978-0-87629-013-2.

What was previously written on this website, sums up the content of this book well: “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.”

I would add that this is a highly readable, user-friendly and professional guide. It is thorough enough to introduce students or industry newcomers to the many considerations and the big picture of landscape estimating, and also to keep seasoned professionals up-to-date on the latest industry trends. An excellent companion to Site Work & Landscape Cost Data.

I foresee using this book on a regular basis in my Landscape Architecture “Planting Design” and Horticulture “Residential Planting Design” courses. I’m not a professional yet so can’t really say, but I suspect that this book will be a favorite among professionals. It’s a keeper. While Site Work & Landscape Cost Data seems targeted to people who already know what they need to price, Landscape Estimating Methods teaches how to figure that out.

— Karen Moss, Graduate Student, Department of Horticulture, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR NOTE: 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.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Site Work & Landscape Cost Data, 2009, 28th Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 596 pages, softbound. US $154.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-208-2, ISSN 0068-3531.

RSMeans Site Work & Landscape Cost Data, 28th Annual Edition provides unit costs of materials, labor productivity, and locality adjustments to facilitate accurately bidding concrete, masonry, metals, wood, plastics & composites, thermal & moisture protection, openings, finishes, specialties, equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying equipment, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, communications, earthwork, exterior improvements, utilities, transportation, waterway & marine, materials processing & handling equipment, and pollution control equipment projects anywhere in the U.S. Individual line items are broken down into bare materials costs, unit labor costs, daily output, overhead and profit, calculated for a variety of crew sizes and equipment. The “Exterior Improvement” chapter contains detailed plant materials costs, including turf and grasses, groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees (further organized as deciduous, conifers, palms, fruits and nuts). The City Cost Indexes section provides multipliers (materials, installation, and total) to adjust the national averages for locality. Other features include reference tables, square foot costs, and worksheets, as well as a detailed index. This book is a valuable tool in developing accurate estimates and bids for site work and landscaping projects.

— Karen Moss, Graduate Student, Department of Horticulture, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR Return to list of publications

RS Means Assemblies Cost Data, 2009, 34th Annual Edition

RS Means Company, Inc., 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 608 pages, softbound. US $254.95. ISBN 978-0-87629-094-1, ISSN 0068-3531.

Means Assemblies Cost Data takes the unit cost information which forms the basis of other RS Means cost data books and presents it by assemblies rather than as unit costs. Information is provided in accord with the UNIFORMAT II numbering system and is broken down into substructure, shell, interiors, services, equipment and furnishings, special construction, and building sitework. Square foot cost information is also provided for 59 typical building types and estimating forms are arranged using the UNIFORMAT II project breakdown. All cost figures are broken down into material cost, installation cost, and total cost. As is the case with the other RS Means cost data books, location factors are provided for more than 930 US and Canadian locations. An extensive reference section provides design information for foundations, basement construction, superstructure, exterior enclosure, roofing, stairs, conveying, plumbing, HVAC, and much more. Architectural and engineering fees are discussed as are builder’s risk insurance, performance bonds, workers’ compensation insurance, etc. This is truly a very valuable reference volume for the building estimator, owners, and contractors.

Return to list of publications

Universal Design Ideas for Style, Comfort & Safety

RS Means Company, Inc., 2007

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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 160 pages, softbound. US $21.95.
ISBN 978-0-87629-091-0.

This relatively inexpensive book is an extremely well illustrated guide to design of single family homes. While primarily directed to home owners and home buyers, it will also be useful to contractors and architects. The title words “universal design” refer to designing in such a manner to be “attractive and usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible — regardless of age or ability.” The term suggests far more than simply “accessible design” – rather it refers to creating the best functional results for anyone rather than just meeting minumum accessibility standards. The chapters of the book cover entrances & floor plans, kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, bedrooms, and laundry, garage & utility spaces, and much more. Many flexible design ideas are provided along with the estimated cost. Whether you are building or designing homes, or seeking to have one built, this book will be a worthwile addition to your library.

Return to list of publications

Residential & Light Commercial Construction Standards, 3rd Edition, Updated

RS Means Company, Inc., 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 554 pages, softbound. US $59.95.
ISBN 978-0-87629-012-5.

The first edition of this book evolved out of claims litigation and the need to better define construction quality standards. Members of the National Association of Home Builders acted as editors along with the editorial staff of R. S. Means. Now in its 3rd edition, this book has been updated to reflect the latest building codes and standards including green building practices and earthquake & hurricane construction. The book is organized in 16 chapters, each covering a construction specialty – paving; concrete; masonry; metal framing; wood framing; finish carpentry & cabinetry; insulation & vapor barriers; roofing, siding & moisture protection; windows & doors; drywall & ceramic tile; floor coverings & acoustical ceilings; painting & wall covering; specialties; plumbing; HVAC; and electrical. Each chapter covers common defect allegations; resources & professional associations from which additional information may be obtained; international building & residential codes; and industry standards. The book is well illustrated and each chapter contains supplementary comments to support and expand upon the text. The comments are practical observations from the editors and from respected construction professionals based upon their experience and knowledge. This book is a huge volume with a modest price. Anyone involved in residential or light commercial construction will find it to be an invaluable source of information.

Return to list of publications

Green Home Improvement

Dr. Daniel D. Chiras

RS Means Company, Inc., 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: https://www.rsmeans.com/direct. 302 pages, softbound. US $24.95.
ISBN 978-0-87629-093-4.

This book is highly recommended. It is an inexpensive volume which will appeal to homeowners and contractors. Its emphasis is on projects which can be undertaken to make homes more “green” and environmentally sustainable. A total of 65 projects are described and each well illustrated project description provides an estimate of cost. The projects cover green flooring, walls, counter tops & cabinets; heating and cooling efficiency; water conservation; minimizing electrical use; green roofing and siding; doors & windows; and green paving, landscaping and pools. Another part of the book discusses considerations in building a new green home and an appendix covers safety tips, a glossary of terms, and a resource guide to books, pamphlets and websites dealing with green buildings. The book is replete with great ideas to make homes more green and energy efficient. If only a few of these ideas are implemented, the cost of the book will be repaid many times over.

Return to list of publications

October 2008 Reviews

2008 AACE International Transactions

Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Meeting of AACE International and the 6th ICEC World Congress on Cost Engineering, Project Management, and Quantity Surveying

AACE International

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2008. Internet: https://www.aacei.org. E-mail: info@aacei.org. CD ROM, US $85.00 to AACEI members; US $110.00 to non-members. ISBN: 978-1-885517-68-8.

This edition of AACE International Transactions includes the papers which were presented at the 2008 AACE International 52nd Annual Meeting and 6th World Congress on Cost Engineering, Project Management and Quantity Surveying of the International Cost Engineering Council. This huge volume includes 113 papers covering:

* Adverse Conditions
* Building Information Modeling
* Claims & Dispute Resolution
* Cost & Schedule Control
* Professional Development
* Estimating
* Earned Value Management
* High Performance/Green Projects * Global Projects
* IT/IM in Project & Cost Management
* Owner Issues
* Planning and Scheduling
* Decision and Risk Management
* Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering
* Total Cost Management The CD is fully searchable. Return to list of publications

Earlier Reviews

RLB International Construction Cost Commentary

Rider Levett Bucknall, 2007

Level 4, 63 Pine Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, AUSTRALIA, 2007. Phone: +61 8 8100 1200. Fax: +61 8 8100 1288. Internet: https://www.rlb.com. E-mail: adelaide@au.rlb.com. Free download from website.

This new on-line publication, while very much a Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) document, contains a wealth of international construction cost information. It is published twice annually and may be downloaded directly from the RLB website, https://www.rlb.com. The publication discusses of the economy and construction activity in various sectors of the world and provides and analysis of areas where the construction cycle is on an upturn or downward trend. Comparative price indices for tendering (bidding) in various cities are provided. Extensive tabular building cost data for many cities worldwide is given along with key economic statistics for much of the world. This is truly a very useful reference source for those concerned with international costs.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Unit Price Estimating Methods, Updated 4th Edition

John Chiang PE and Phillip R, Waier PE CSI (Editors), RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Square Foot & UNIFORMAT Assemblies Estimating, 3rd Edition

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

RS Means Mechanical Estimating Methods, Updated 45th Edition

Melville Mossman (Senior Editor) and Carl W. Linde (Illustrator), RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

Complete Book of Framing: An Illustrated Guide for Residential Construction

Scot Simpson, RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2007

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

Means Spanish/English Construction Dictionary / Means Diccionario Inglés/Español de la Construcción, Expanded 2nd Edition

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, 2006

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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 Rose, Dr. 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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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).

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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:

• Recognition of the Affects and Economic Costs on the Environment
• Formulating Ways of Addressing Green Building Strategies and Associated Economic Costs
• Specific Green Building Strategies and Project Costs
• Budgeting and Justifying the Cost of Sustainable Practices
• Evaluating Competing Sustainable Strategies: Value Engineering, and
• Evaluating Competing Sustainable Strategies: Other Techniques.

The CD includes papers selected by the editor from past issues of Cost Engineering Journal and AACE Transactions.

Return to list of publications

Richardson^TM International Construction Factor Manual

Cost Data On Line, Inc.

PO Box 5859, Pahrump, Nevada 890414, USA. Phone: +1 866 445 0974. Internet: https://www.costdataonline.com/. E-mail: sales@costdataonline.com. 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.

Return to list of publications

2007 AACE International Transactions

AACE International

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2007. Internet: https://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:

* Claims and Dispute Resolution
* Cost and Schedule Control
* Professional Development
* Estimating
* Earned Value Management
* Global Projects
* IT/IM in Project and Cost Management
* Owner Issues
* Project Management
* Planning and Scheduling
* Decision and Risk Management
* Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering The CD is fully searchable. Return to list of publications

Richardson^TM Construction Estimating Standards

Cost Data On Line, Inc.

PO Box 5859, Pahrump, Nevada 890414, USA. Phone: +1 866 445 0974. Internet: https://www.costdataonline.com/. E-mail: sales@costdataonline.com. 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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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:

Earned Value Style Project Management and Organization
Scheduling
Estimating
Earned Value
Implementation of the Project Management Process Each chapter of the book is illustrated with a case study which demonstrates the application of the principles described in that chapter. The chapters end with a set of review questions. Detailed answers to the review questuions are given in Part 6 of the book.

This book is very clearly written and is quite easy to read and understand. The provision of the case studies and review questions makes it an excellent textbook on the topic and a very useful volume for learning the principles of earned value project management. It should also be very useful to those studying for AACE International’s earned value certification program.

Disclaimer: Gary C. Humphreys and Humphreys & Associates have no relationship to Dr. Kenneth K. Humphreys, Past Executive Director of AACE International and Past Secretary Treasurer of the International Cost Engineering Council. Return to list of publications

Understanding & Negotiating Construction Contracts : A Contractor’s & Subcontractor’s Guide to Protecting Assets

Kit Werremeyer

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: https://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!

Return to list of publications

Green Building: Project Planning & Cost Estimating

RS Means, Reed Construction Data, Second Edition, 2006

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold

Michael Pugliese

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

Construction Business Management : What Every Construction Contractor, Builder & Subcontractor Needs to Know

Nick B. Ganaway

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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. https://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.

Return to list of publications

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.

Return to list of publications

2006 AACE International Transactions

AACE International, 2006

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2003. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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, https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://www.zpm-si.com. E-mail: info@zpm-si.com. Published by Toolmakers Cluster of Slovenia, https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

BEES^® 3.0, Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability, Software, Technical Manual and User Guide

Barbara C. Lippert

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 https://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.

Return to list of publications

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 https://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 https://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/information/download_blcc.cfm.

Return to list of publications

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 https://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 https://www.bfrl.nist.gov/bridgelcc/welcome.html.

Return to list of publications

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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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 (https://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.

Return to list of publications

2005 AACE International Transactions

AACE International, 2005

209 Prairie Ave., Suite 100, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA, 2005. Fax: 304 291 5728. Internet: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

Project and Cost Engineers’ Handbook

Dr. 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: https://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.

Return to list of publications

• Previous Entry: Country links
• Next Entry: Worldwide Educational and Competency Standards in Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, and Project Management