Estimating Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Estimating Process - Essay Example No matter whichever technique is used the estimator is supposed to cover all the aspects of construction project which includes the direct costs i.e. labor, equipment, material, subcontracts and the indirect costs i.e. insurance, permits, taxes , site office expenditure, head office expenditure etc. An estimate actually is the calculation of quantities of materials, work and their costs which will occur during the course of completion of the project. Moreover a good estimate should also incorporate some of the costs which are not evident during the estimation phase but are likely to occur during the execution of the project. Such a predictive expertise requires a lot of experience in the field of estimation. The total of this predicted expenditure in each category is the total estimate of the project. The estimated cost of a work is a close approximation of its actual cost. The agreement of the estimated cost with the actual cost of the project depends on two factors; the correct est imate of the project cost and following the correct procedures according to the designs and specifications during the execution of the project. For the correct estimation of the project, site investigation along with the detailed study of the project drawings and technical specifications is essential. The following are the various aspects of the estimating process: Estimating Using Handheld Devices Estimation process does not only depend on the design and specifications as certain aspects of the cost can only be calculated through thorough site investigation by visiting the site. During site investigation an estimator has to take and record certain on-field observations for which handheld estimation and recording devices are very useful. The data thus collected can easily be transferred to the desktop computers for carrying out extensive calculations. Types of Estimates Estimates in construction have been divided into various types according to the extent of details in the estimate. These types are: 1. Conceptual Estimate: It is prepared to realize the concept and idea of the owner which allows the owner/investor to have an idea about the required investment for the project and he sets a budget for the project. 2. Preliminary Estimate: These estimates are prepared at the very start of the project by the designer for the owner of the project to judge whether the architect’s/engineer’s design is in accordance with his budget or not. 3. Engineer’s Estimate: After the preliminary estimate which is based on the preliminary designs the design engineers and architects complete the detailed design of the project and the engineer’s estimate is based on these detailed designs and specifications. This helps the owner to set a criterion for the bids. 4. Bid Estimate: The bid estimate is also a detailed estimate which is prepared by the contractor and his bid is based on this estimate after adding a profit factor to it. Cost Centers Cost Centers are the various heads into which the project is divided to facilitate the estimating process i.e. foundations, columns, beams, slabs, partition walls etc. These are further subdivided into categories like excavation, formwork, masonry work etc. This approach helps organizing the estimation data as well as carrying out the estimate accurately. Estimating accounts and cost accounts are two types of cost centers which are the cost of these heads and subheads.

Scholarly Journal Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Scholarly Journal Review - Essay Example In this paper the journal selected will be studied completely to understand its major ideas and concepts. The articulation, the strengths and weakness and structure of writing will be interpreted on. The topic will be compared and contrasted to understand its significance. The main intention is to study the concept of academic freedom more deeply and clearly. How the journal article has been useful in explaining the subject will be a part of the analysis. The synthesis and richness of the article will be contemplated on. As per ( Warwick,2011) â€Å"Writing a strong researched paper requires the ability to synthesis or combine elements of several sources to help you make a point â€Å"The relation of the topic to my personal and professional career will also be part of the study. Overview of the Topic The topic of the journal is the social significance of academic freedom. The author suggests that teachers and students should have the freedom to enquire and explore, only then the s ociety can get benefit from them. According to ( MacKinnon, 2011) â€Å"Academic freedom is a lot of freedom, but it has its limitations, and respect for the core value of academic freedom requires respect for its limitations†. ... The article looks the way in which higher education do good for public. The role of non – profit educational institutions in 21st century is a concern of the article. The article suggests that education institution has the purpose of culturing democratic values in students and providing skilled and knowledgeable workforce. As per ( Euben,2002) â€Å"Since the early 1970s, however, academic freedom cases have focused primarily on faculty freedom from institutional intrusion†. The article also looks at the academic freedom existing in history of America. The genesis of tenure is also discussed in the article. According to the author, tenure protected the academic freedom. The article put forward, methodology and studies which examine the reaction of faculties when their institution is faced by controversies. The study revealed the academic freedom of the educational institution under study. As per (Heins,2013) â€Å"Academic freedom is necessary not because teachers are smarter or better than everyone else, but because they serve the public interest by imparting the skills to think critically and participate meaningfully in the great, if often flawed, American experiment in democracy†. The article comments about responsibility of University under research and also their role in public discourse. The importance of public engagement is also discussed in the article. Compare and Contrast When comparing the topic of the journal with the academic freedom it has close connection with the subject. The article deeply defines the meaning of academic freedom and its significance in social arena. The topic is all about how academic freedom can contribute to the welfare of the society. The journal does not deviate from the