Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling

Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling

Author: Alan R. Jones

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-09-13

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 1351661353

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Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling (Volume 1 of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) sets the scene of TRACEability and good estimate practice that is followed in the other volumes in this series of five working guides. It clarifies the difference between an Estimating Process, Procedure, Approach, Method and Technique. It expands on these definitions of Approach (Top-down, Bottom-up and ‘Ethereal’) and Method (Analogy, Parametric and ‘Trusted Source’) and discusses how these form the basis of all other means of establishing an estimate. This volume also underlines the importance of ‘data normalisation’ in any estimating procedure, and demonstrates that the Estimating by Analogy Method, in essence, is a simple extension of Data Normalisation. The author looks at simple measures of assessing the maturity or health of an estimate, and offers a means of assessing a spreadsheet for any inherent risks or errors that may be introduced by failing to follow good practice in spreadsheet design and build. This book provides a taster of the more numerical techniques covered in the remainder of the series by considering how an estimator can potentially exploit Benford’s Law (traditionally used in Fraud Detection) to identify systematic bias from third party contributors. It will be a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling by : Alan R. Jones

Download or read book Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling written by Alan R. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-09-13 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling (Volume 1 of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) sets the scene of TRACEability and good estimate practice that is followed in the other volumes in this series of five working guides. It clarifies the difference between an Estimating Process, Procedure, Approach, Method and Technique. It expands on these definitions of Approach (Top-down, Bottom-up and ‘Ethereal’) and Method (Analogy, Parametric and ‘Trusted Source’) and discusses how these form the basis of all other means of establishing an estimate. This volume also underlines the importance of ‘data normalisation’ in any estimating procedure, and demonstrates that the Estimating by Analogy Method, in essence, is a simple extension of Data Normalisation. The author looks at simple measures of assessing the maturity or health of an estimate, and offers a means of assessing a spreadsheet for any inherent risks or errors that may be introduced by failing to follow good practice in spreadsheet design and build. This book provides a taster of the more numerical techniques covered in the remainder of the series by considering how an estimator can potentially exploit Benford’s Law (traditionally used in Fraud Detection) to identify systematic bias from third party contributors. It will be a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.

Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling

Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling

Author: Alan Jones

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9781138063969

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Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling (Volume 1) sets the scene of TRACEability and good estimate practice that is followed in the other volumes in this series of five working guides. It clarifies the difference between an Estimating Process, Procedure, Approach, Method and Technique. It expands on these definitions of Approach (Top-down, Bottom-up and 'Ethereal') and Method (Analogy, Parametric and 'Trusted Source') and discusses how these form the basis of all other means of establishing an estimate. This volume also underlines the importance of "data normalisation" in any estimating procedure, and demonstrates that the Estimating by Analogy Method, in essence, is a simple extension of Data Nomalisation. The author looks at simple measures of assessing the maturity or health of an estimate, and offers a means of assessing a spreadsheet for any inherent risks or errors that may be introduced by failing to follow good practice in spreadsheet design and build. This book provides a taster of the more numerical techniques covered in the remainder of the series by considering how an Estimator can potentially exploit Benford's Law (traditionally used in Fraud Detection) to identify systematic bias from third party contributors. It will be a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling by : Alan Jones

Download or read book Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling written by Alan Jones and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Principles, Process and Practice of Professional Number Juggling (Volume 1) sets the scene of TRACEability and good estimate practice that is followed in the other volumes in this series of five working guides. It clarifies the difference between an Estimating Process, Procedure, Approach, Method and Technique. It expands on these definitions of Approach (Top-down, Bottom-up and 'Ethereal') and Method (Analogy, Parametric and 'Trusted Source') and discusses how these form the basis of all other means of establishing an estimate. This volume also underlines the importance of "data normalisation" in any estimating procedure, and demonstrates that the Estimating by Analogy Method, in essence, is a simple extension of Data Nomalisation. The author looks at simple measures of assessing the maturity or health of an estimate, and offers a means of assessing a spreadsheet for any inherent risks or errors that may be introduced by failing to follow good practice in spreadsheet design and build. This book provides a taster of the more numerical techniques covered in the remainder of the series by considering how an Estimator can potentially exploit Benford's Law (traditionally used in Fraud Detection) to identify systematic bias from third party contributors. It will be a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.

Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff

Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff

Author: Alan R. Jones

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-10-09

Total Pages: 467

ISBN-13: 135166137X

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Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff (Volume II of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) considers many of the commonly used Descriptive Statistics in the world of estimating and forecasting. It considers values that are representative of the ‘middle ground’ (Measures of Central Tendency), and the degree of data scatter (Measures of Dispersion and Shape) around the ‘middle ground’ values. A number of Probability Distributions and where they might be used are discussed, along with some fascinating and useful ‘rules of thumb’ or short-cut properties that estimators and forecasters can exploit in plying their trade. With the help of a ‘Correlation Chicken’, the concept of partial correlation is explained, including how the estimator or forecaster can exploit this in reflecting varying levels of independence and imperfect dependence between an output or predicted value (such as cost) and an input or predictor variable such as size. Under the guise of ‘Tails of the unexpected’ the book concludes with two chapters devoted to Hypothesis Testing (or knowing when to accept or reject the validity of an assumed estimating relationship), and a number of statistically-based tests to help the estimator to decide whether to include or exclude a data point as an ‘outlier’, one that appears not to be representative of that which the estimator is tasked to produce. This is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff by : Alan R. Jones

Download or read book Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff written by Alan R. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-10-09 with total page 467 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Probability, Statistics and Other Frightening Stuff (Volume II of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) considers many of the commonly used Descriptive Statistics in the world of estimating and forecasting. It considers values that are representative of the ‘middle ground’ (Measures of Central Tendency), and the degree of data scatter (Measures of Dispersion and Shape) around the ‘middle ground’ values. A number of Probability Distributions and where they might be used are discussed, along with some fascinating and useful ‘rules of thumb’ or short-cut properties that estimators and forecasters can exploit in plying their trade. With the help of a ‘Correlation Chicken’, the concept of partial correlation is explained, including how the estimator or forecaster can exploit this in reflecting varying levels of independence and imperfect dependence between an output or predicted value (such as cost) and an input or predictor variable such as size. Under the guise of ‘Tails of the unexpected’ the book concludes with two chapters devoted to Hypothesis Testing (or knowing when to accept or reject the validity of an assumed estimating relationship), and a number of statistically-based tests to help the estimator to decide whether to include or exclude a data point as an ‘outlier’, one that appears not to be representative of that which the estimator is tasked to produce. This is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.

Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models

Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models

Author: Alan R. Jones

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-09-13

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1351661299

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Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models (Volume V in the Working Guides to Estimating and Forecasting series) goes part way to debunking the myth that research and development cost are somewhat random, as under certain conditions they can be observed to follow a pattern of behaviour referred to as a Norden-Rayleigh Curve, which unfortunately has to be truncated to stop the myth from becoming a reality! However, there is a practical alternative in relation to a particular form of PERT-Beta Curve. However, the major emphasis of this volume is the use of Monte Carlo Simulation as a general technique for narrowing down potential outcomes of multiple interacting variables or cost drivers. Perhaps the most common of these in the evaluation of Risk, Opportunity and Uncertainty. The trouble is that many Monte Carlo Simulation tools are ‘black boxes’ and too few estimators and forecasters really appreciate what is happening inside the ‘black box’. This volume aims to resolve that and offers tips into things that might need to be considered to remove some of the uninformed random input that often creates a misinformed misconception of ‘it must be right!’ Monte Carlo Simulation can be used to model variable determine Critical Paths in a schedule, and is key to modelling Waiting Times and cues with random arisings. Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models by : Alan R. Jones

Download or read book Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models written by Alan R. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-09-13 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Risk, Opportunity, Uncertainty and Other Random Models (Volume V in the Working Guides to Estimating and Forecasting series) goes part way to debunking the myth that research and development cost are somewhat random, as under certain conditions they can be observed to follow a pattern of behaviour referred to as a Norden-Rayleigh Curve, which unfortunately has to be truncated to stop the myth from becoming a reality! However, there is a practical alternative in relation to a particular form of PERT-Beta Curve. However, the major emphasis of this volume is the use of Monte Carlo Simulation as a general technique for narrowing down potential outcomes of multiple interacting variables or cost drivers. Perhaps the most common of these in the evaluation of Risk, Opportunity and Uncertainty. The trouble is that many Monte Carlo Simulation tools are ‘black boxes’ and too few estimators and forecasters really appreciate what is happening inside the ‘black box’. This volume aims to resolve that and offers tips into things that might need to be considered to remove some of the uninformed random input that often creates a misinformed misconception of ‘it must be right!’ Monte Carlo Simulation can be used to model variable determine Critical Paths in a schedule, and is key to modelling Waiting Times and cues with random arisings. Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.

Learning, Unlearning and Re-Learning Curves

Learning, Unlearning and Re-Learning Curves

Author: Alan R. Jones

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-09-13

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1351661477

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Learning, Unlearning and Re-learning Curves (Volume IV of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) focuses in on Learning Curves, and the various tried and tested models of Wright, Crawford, DeJong, Towill-Bevis and others. It explores the differences and similarities between the various models and examines the key properties that Estimators and Forecasters can exploit. A discussion about Learning Curve Cost Drivers leads to the consideration of a little used but very powerful technique of Learning Curve modelling called Segmentation, which looks at an organisation’s complex learning curve as the product of multiple shallower learning curves. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that it simplifies the calculations in Microsoft Excel where there is a change in the rate of learning observed or expected. The same technique can be used to model and calibrate discontinuities in the learning process that result in setbacks and uplifts in time or cost. This technique is compared with other, better known techniques such as Anderlohr’s. Equivalent Unit Learning is another, relative new technique that can be used alongside traditional completed unit learning to give an early warning of changes in the rates of learning. Finally, a Learning Curve can be exploited to estimate the penalty of collaborative working across multiple partners. Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists, as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Learning, Unlearning and Re-Learning Curves by : Alan R. Jones

Download or read book Learning, Unlearning and Re-Learning Curves written by Alan R. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-09-13 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learning, Unlearning and Re-learning Curves (Volume IV of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) focuses in on Learning Curves, and the various tried and tested models of Wright, Crawford, DeJong, Towill-Bevis and others. It explores the differences and similarities between the various models and examines the key properties that Estimators and Forecasters can exploit. A discussion about Learning Curve Cost Drivers leads to the consideration of a little used but very powerful technique of Learning Curve modelling called Segmentation, which looks at an organisation’s complex learning curve as the product of multiple shallower learning curves. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that it simplifies the calculations in Microsoft Excel where there is a change in the rate of learning observed or expected. The same technique can be used to model and calibrate discontinuities in the learning process that result in setbacks and uplifts in time or cost. This technique is compared with other, better known techniques such as Anderlohr’s. Equivalent Unit Learning is another, relative new technique that can be used alongside traditional completed unit learning to give an early warning of changes in the rates of learning. Finally, a Learning Curve can be exploited to estimate the penalty of collaborative working across multiple partners. Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists, as well as students of cost engineering.

Best Fit Lines & Curves

Best Fit Lines & Curves

Author: Alan R. Jones

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-10-09

Total Pages: 498

ISBN-13: 1351661442

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Best Fit Lines and Curves, and Some Mathe-Magical Transformations (Volume III of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) concentrates on techniques for finding the Best Fit Line or Curve to some historical data allowing us to interpolate or extrapolate the implied relationship that will underpin our prediction. A range of simple ‘Moving Measures’ are suggested to smooth the underlying trend and quantify the degree of noise or scatter around that trend. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed and a simple way to offset the latent disadvantage of most Moving Measure Techniques is provided. Simple Linear Regression Analysis, a more formal numerical technique that calculates the line of best fit subject to defined ‘goodness of fit’ criteria. Microsoft Excel is used to demonstrate how to decide whether the line of best fit is a good fit, or just a solution in search of some data. These principles are then extended to cover multiple cost drivers, and how we can use them to quantify 3-Point Estimates. With a deft sleight of hand, certain commonly occurring families of non-linear relationships can be transformed mathe-magically into linear formats, allowing us to exploit the powers of Regression Analysis to find the Best Fit Curves. The concludes with an exploration of the ups and downs of seasonal data (Time Series Analysis). Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.


Book Synopsis Best Fit Lines & Curves by : Alan R. Jones

Download or read book Best Fit Lines & Curves written by Alan R. Jones and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-10-09 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Best Fit Lines and Curves, and Some Mathe-Magical Transformations (Volume III of the Working Guides to Estimating & Forecasting series) concentrates on techniques for finding the Best Fit Line or Curve to some historical data allowing us to interpolate or extrapolate the implied relationship that will underpin our prediction. A range of simple ‘Moving Measures’ are suggested to smooth the underlying trend and quantify the degree of noise or scatter around that trend. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed and a simple way to offset the latent disadvantage of most Moving Measure Techniques is provided. Simple Linear Regression Analysis, a more formal numerical technique that calculates the line of best fit subject to defined ‘goodness of fit’ criteria. Microsoft Excel is used to demonstrate how to decide whether the line of best fit is a good fit, or just a solution in search of some data. These principles are then extended to cover multiple cost drivers, and how we can use them to quantify 3-Point Estimates. With a deft sleight of hand, certain commonly occurring families of non-linear relationships can be transformed mathe-magically into linear formats, allowing us to exploit the powers of Regression Analysis to find the Best Fit Curves. The concludes with an exploration of the ups and downs of seasonal data (Time Series Analysis). Supported by a wealth of figures and tables, this is a valuable resource for estimators, engineers, accountants, project risk specialists as well as students of cost engineering.

Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization

Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization

Author: Salah Ud-Din Khan

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Published: 2020-06-16

Total Pages: 514

ISBN-13: 0128189436

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Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization presents the theory and principles of the most common advanced nuclear reactor systems and provides a context for the value and utilization of nuclear power in a variety of applications both inside and outside a traditional nuclear setting. As countries across the globe realize their plans for a sustainable energy future, the need for innovative nuclear reactor design is increasing, and this book will provide a deep understanding of how these technologies can aid in a region’s goal for clean and reliable energy. Dr Khan and Dr Nakhabov, alongside their team of expert contributors, discuss a variety of important topics, including nuclear fuel cycles, plant decommissioning and hybrid energy systems, while considering a variety of diverse uses such as nuclear desalination, hydrogen generation and radioisotope production. Knowledge acquired enables the reader to conduct further research in academia and industry, and apply the latest design, development, integration, safety and economic guidance to their work and research. Combines reactor fundamentals with a contemporary look at evolving trends in the design of advanced reactors and their application to both nuclear and non-nuclear uses Analyses the latest research and uses of hybrid systems which bring together nuclear technology with renewable energy technologies Presents applications, economic factors and an analysis of sustainability factors in one comprehensive resource


Book Synopsis Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization by : Salah Ud-Din Khan

Download or read book Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization written by Salah Ud-Din Khan and published by Woodhead Publishing. This book was released on 2020-06-16 with total page 514 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization presents the theory and principles of the most common advanced nuclear reactor systems and provides a context for the value and utilization of nuclear power in a variety of applications both inside and outside a traditional nuclear setting. As countries across the globe realize their plans for a sustainable energy future, the need for innovative nuclear reactor design is increasing, and this book will provide a deep understanding of how these technologies can aid in a region’s goal for clean and reliable energy. Dr Khan and Dr Nakhabov, alongside their team of expert contributors, discuss a variety of important topics, including nuclear fuel cycles, plant decommissioning and hybrid energy systems, while considering a variety of diverse uses such as nuclear desalination, hydrogen generation and radioisotope production. Knowledge acquired enables the reader to conduct further research in academia and industry, and apply the latest design, development, integration, safety and economic guidance to their work and research. Combines reactor fundamentals with a contemporary look at evolving trends in the design of advanced reactors and their application to both nuclear and non-nuclear uses Analyses the latest research and uses of hybrid systems which bring together nuclear technology with renewable energy technologies Presents applications, economic factors and an analysis of sustainability factors in one comprehensive resource

Learning, Culture, and Community in Online Education

Learning, Culture, and Community in Online Education

Author: Michelle M. Kazmer

Publisher: Peter Lang

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 9780820468471

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In 1996 the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign began an Internet-based teaching program, allowing students across the United States - and the world - to earn a Master's degree from a distance. The program, known as LEEP (Library Education Experimental Project), has been an outstanding success, and as an early innovation in Internet use, provides important lessons on how to flourish in an online environment. Learning, Culture and Community in Online Education brings together significant new research on online education, using the LEEP program as a model to reveal a wealth of information about innovative online practices. Contributions by administrators, philosophers, faculty, librarians, technical staff, and researchers in the traditions of education, computer science, folklore, information science, and sociology, reveal the many perspectives to be taken into account when creating and maintaining distance learning programs. More than an analysis of the LEEP program, this book is an essential introduction to the variety of social and educational phenomena that occur within the socio-technical environments that support online learners.


Book Synopsis Learning, Culture, and Community in Online Education by : Michelle M. Kazmer

Download or read book Learning, Culture, and Community in Online Education written by Michelle M. Kazmer and published by Peter Lang. This book was released on 2004 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1996 the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign began an Internet-based teaching program, allowing students across the United States - and the world - to earn a Master's degree from a distance. The program, known as LEEP (Library Education Experimental Project), has been an outstanding success, and as an early innovation in Internet use, provides important lessons on how to flourish in an online environment. Learning, Culture and Community in Online Education brings together significant new research on online education, using the LEEP program as a model to reveal a wealth of information about innovative online practices. Contributions by administrators, philosophers, faculty, librarians, technical staff, and researchers in the traditions of education, computer science, folklore, information science, and sociology, reveal the many perspectives to be taken into account when creating and maintaining distance learning programs. More than an analysis of the LEEP program, this book is an essential introduction to the variety of social and educational phenomena that occur within the socio-technical environments that support online learners.

How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian

How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian

Author: Carol Smallwood

Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 315

ISBN-13: 0810882132

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Collection of footage featuring top skiers traversing extreme terrain at high speeds. Hosted by Johnny Mosely, the programme includes action from mountains in Japan, Norway and Austria and features athletes such as Colby West, Jess McMillan, David Wise and Olympic medallist Ted Ligety.


Book Synopsis How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian by : Carol Smallwood

Download or read book How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian written by Carol Smallwood and published by Scarecrow Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Collection of footage featuring top skiers traversing extreme terrain at high speeds. Hosted by Johnny Mosely, the programme includes action from mountains in Japan, Norway and Austria and features athletes such as Colby West, Jess McMillan, David Wise and Olympic medallist Ted Ligety.

Critical Thinking in Nursing

Critical Thinking in Nursing

Author: Saundra K. Lipe

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 358

ISBN-13: 9780781740425

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This text introduces nursing students to the cognitive skills, or thought processes, required of professional nurses. Using a practical approach and a nursing process framework throughout, the book provides a bridge between the theory and the application of these skills. Cognitive skills are presented in a competency-based, clinically oriented format, with emphasis on teaching critical thinking. Chapters end with a workbook section, to provide students with real-world applications of what they have learned. Case studies and checklists throughout aid the student in applying content. The book is written at an accessible reading level.


Book Synopsis Critical Thinking in Nursing by : Saundra K. Lipe

Download or read book Critical Thinking in Nursing written by Saundra K. Lipe and published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. This book was released on 2004 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text introduces nursing students to the cognitive skills, or thought processes, required of professional nurses. Using a practical approach and a nursing process framework throughout, the book provides a bridge between the theory and the application of these skills. Cognitive skills are presented in a competency-based, clinically oriented format, with emphasis on teaching critical thinking. Chapters end with a workbook section, to provide students with real-world applications of what they have learned. Case studies and checklists throughout aid the student in applying content. The book is written at an accessible reading level.