Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools (Wiley Series in Operations Research and Management Science)(Wiley Operations Research and Management Science)

Presents an accessible approach to the cost estimation tools, concepts, and techniques needed to support analytical and cost decisions Written with an easy-to-understand approach, Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools provides comprehensive coverage of the quantitative techniques needed by professional cost estimators and for those wanting to learn about this vibrant career field. Featuring the underlying mathematical and analytical principles of cost estimation, the book focuses on the tools and methods used to predict the research and development, production, and operating and support costs for successful cost estimation in industrial, business, and manufacturing processes. The book begins with a detailed historical perspective and key terms of the cost estimating field in order to develop the necessary background prior to implementing the presented quantitative methods. The book proceeds to fundamental cost estimation methods utilized in the field of cost estimation, including working with inflation indices, regression analysis, learning curves, analogies, cost factors, and wrap rates. With a step-by-step introduction to the practicality of cost estimation and the available resources for obtaining relevant data, Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools also features: ● Various cost estimating tools, concepts, and techniques needed to support business decisions ● Multiple questions at the end of each chapter to help listeners obtain a deeper understanding of the discussed methods and techniques ● An overview of the software used in cost estimation, as well as an introduction to the application of risk and uncertainty analysis ● A Foreword from Dr. Douglas A. Brook, a professor in the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy at the Naval Postgraduate School, who spent many years working in the Department of Defense acquisition environment Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools is an excellent reference for academics and practitioners in decision science, operations research, operations management, business, and systems and industrial engineering, as well as a useful guide in support of professional cost estimation training and certification courses for practitioners. The book is also appropriate for graduate-level courses in operations research, operations management, engineering economics, and manufacturing and/or production processes.

About the Author :
Gregory K. Mislick is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Operations Research and Program Manager for the Master's Degree Program in Cost Estimating and Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). A retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel aviator and past associate dean of the Graduate School of Operational and Information Sciences at NPS, his research interests includes life cycle cost estimating and modeling, probability and statistics, regression analysis, learning curves, and optimization. Daniel A. Nussbaum is Visiting Professor in the Department of Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. With over thirty years of professional experience providing financial estimating and analysis services to senior levels of the U.S. Federal government, Dr. Nussbaum's research interests includes cost/benefit analyses, life cycle cost estimating and modeling, and financial modeling. New York-based actor Matthew Boston has over thirty years of professional experience working in theater, film, television, and voice-over. His extensive experience in both classical and contemporary works has found him in theaters not only in New York but all across the country. He received his training from the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Shakespeare & Company, and the Lee Strasberg Institute. When not acting, Matthew's other passion is scuba diving in the beautiful oceans of the Caribbean. He's also perfectly content hiking and/or playing Frisbee with his golden retriever, Emma.