Cost Estimating

Winter 2020

pathadmin — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 15:57:39 +0000

Winter 2020

As you may know, Project Management PANORAMA is Pathfinder's industry focused newsletter. We present the "Capital Project World as seen by Pathfinder, LLC" with regard to "trending" or "controversial" industry related topics.

In this issue you will find the following articles, Simplifying In-Plant Project Cost Estimates and Who's Overseeing My Investment - Part 2.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2020 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

Below you will find a link to the Winter 2020 PANORAMA Newsletter. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, if you have any comments or would like to voice your views on the industry, please contact us directly.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Mon, 02/24/2020 - 10:57

Available downloads

Panorama Winter 2020

Panorama Winter 2020 Newsletter is Out

pathadmin — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 15:55:24 +0000

Panorama Winter 2020 Newsletter is Out

pathadmin Mon, 02/24/2020 - 10:55

In this issue you will find the following articles, Simplifying In-Plant Project Cost Estimates and Who's Overseeing My Investment - Part 2.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2020 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

To view this newsletter and all archived newsletters, you can sign up to to be a subscriber.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

Spring 2019

pathadmin — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:04:29 +0000

Spring 2019

In this issue you will find the following articles, Indicative Costs of US Ethylene Projects and You're Like an Open Book.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2019 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

Below you will find a link to the Fall 2019 PANORAMA Newsletter. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, if you have any comments or would like to voice your views on the industry, please contact us directly.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Wed, 01/29/2020 - 12:04

Available downloads

Panorama Spring 2019

Come join Pathfinder, LLC at the AACE Northeast Symposium

pathadmin — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 15:37:57 +0000

Come join Pathfinder, LLC at the AACE Northeast Symposium

pathadmin Mon, 03/25/2019 - 11:37

March 28-29, 2019 in Philadelphia, PA

To register click here

Stephen L. Cabano, President, Pathfinder, LLC presents on Thursday, March 28 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Supporting Owner Estimate Classes with Engineering Maturity and Accuracy

For decades, AACE has provided details around the level of cost estimating accuracy related to the maturity of the engineering deliverables across front end phases of a project. This established an industry accepted criteria for communicating the level of cost estimating precision as a project moves from its earliest development phases to the full project funding step. This single dimension has long been the mechanism for assuring engineering deliverables are at the level of completeness to support the cost estimating effort. But is it enough? The Construction Industry Institute (CII) recently completed a research effort which concluded it was not enough in today’s market. A second dimension/second lens is needed to evaluate the level of accuracy of engineering deliverables. This presentation will provide the basis for this research and the data that supports the application of the approach.

Paul Williams, Vice President, Pathfinder, LLC presents on Friday, March 29 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Owner Project Planning Supports Estimate and Schedule Accuracy

When developing the owner’s cost estimates, the maturity of engineering deliverables has often used to define the class of estimate produced. This has long supported the standard estimate classification model but should not be the only parameter considered when defining the class of estimate in support of capital programs. There are several equally important aspects of the quality of the front end deliverables such as the accuracy of the engineering as well as the maturity of the project plan. The project plan needs to evolve at the same pace as the engineering deliverables and will likewise affect the level of schedule and cost estimate accuracy. Significant improvement in project cost and schedule outcomes are possible, depending on the details of the project plan and its relationship to specific project characteristics and risks. This paper will identify industry best practices for content of the project plan and the typical evolution of the plan through the project front end efforts and execution. Examples of owner project plans will be provided and as well as the impact various components of the plan have on the estimate/schedule accuracy and corresponding project risk.

Pathfinder, LLC to present at the AACEI Western Winter Workshop

pathadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:57:52 +0000

Pathfinder, LLC to present at the AACEI Western Winter Workshop

pathadmin Mon, 03/18/2019 - 11:57

Supporting Owner Estimate Classes with Engineering Maturity and Accuracy

For decades, AACE International has provided details around the level of cost estimating accuracy related to the maturity of the engineering deliverables across front end phases of a project. This established an industry accepted criteria for communicating the level of cost estimating precision as a project moves from its earliest development phases to the full project funding step. This single dimension has long been the mechanism for assuring engineering deliverables are at the level of completeness to support the cost estimating effort. But is it enough? The Construction Industry Institute (CII) recently completed a research effort which concluded it was not enough in today’s market. A second dimension/second lens is needed to evaluate the level of accuracy of engineering deliverables. This presentation will provide the basis for this research and the data that supports the application of the approach. The tool that has been developed to support the multi-lens review of engineering deliverables in support of the required class estimate, The Front End Engineering Design – Maturity and Accuracy Total Rating System (FEED MATRS) will be demonstrated to show the tool’s functionality and benefits in measuring whether a project is ready to progress through its Front End phase gates.

Harrahs Lake Tahoe
Deltek Room
March 23, 2019
2:15pm - 3:15pm

Pathfinder presenting at the CIM Convention in Vancouver in May.

pathadmin — Wed, 07 May 2014 15:28:03 +0000

Pathfinder presenting at the CIM Convention in Vancouver in May.

pathadmin Wed, 05/07/2014 - 11:28

Pathfinder is presenting “Cost Containment through Effective Project Management” at the 2014 CIM Convention. This session will be Tuesday May 13^th from 2:00 – 4:30 in the Construction to Production block. Below is the abstract, to register go to http://vancouver2014.cim.org/en/Register/Register-here.aspx

Costs Containment through Effective Project Management

Historically, the mining industry has been highly focused on cost containment associated with the production and operations of ongoing mining activities. Today, as opportunities abound, proper attention is also required to manage costs and delivery time on the significant investment associated with capital projects. However, the cost to capture these assets has increased dramatically. According to Bloomberg, mining companies will invest $244 billion on capital project expansion from now through 2015. The successful execution of these expansion projects is critical to the survival and profitability of the Owner/Operating companies involved. With the current decline in commodity prices and the significant increase in cost of production, companies are recognizing the importance of efficiently executing projects and eliminating unnecessary spending.

These challenges have put a strain on the capabilities and talents of the Owner company’s internal groups responsible for planning, executing and managing the capital project portfolio. To successfully accomplish this challenge, Owner organizations must continue to improve their capital project delivery and decision processes. The application of Project Management “Best Practices” is an integral aspect of this improvement initiative.

This paper/presentation will demonstrate many of the proven Project Management tools and techniques that, when applied appropriately, have driven the proper venture decisions and addressed the runaway cost issues plaguing the mining capital project execution environment.

AACEI Houston-Gulf Coast Section Presentation

pathadmin — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:13:46 +0000

AACEI Houston-Gulf Coast Section Presentation

pathadmin Wed, 11/27/2013 - 13:13

Jim Blevins presented "Making the Transition from Downstream Projects to Upstream" at the AACEI New Orleans Chapter Dinner Meeting on November 19th.

https://twitter.com/james_arrow/status/402797170387976192/photo/1

Pathfinder presents at the AACEI Calgary Chinook Section Meeting

cmcintyre — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Pathfinder presents at the AACEI Calgary Chinook Section Meeting

cmcintyre Fri, 02/24/2012 - 00:00

The Impact of Project Execution on Project Estimates

To receive a copy of this paper/presentation please email us.

Pathfinder presents at the 2011 Gas & Oil Expo & Conference North America

cmcintyre — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Pathfinder presents at the 2011 Gas & Oil Expo & Conference North America

cmcintyre Wed, 06/15/2011 - 00:00

Managing the Next Round of Oil Sands Projects - What Will make the Difference Next Time?

To receive a copy of this paper/presentation please email us.

Pathfinder presents at the 2010 AACEI Annual Meeting

cmcintyre — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Pathfinder presents at the 2010 AACEI Annual Meeting

cmcintyre Tue, 06/29/2010 - 00:00

Key Owner Decisions that Drive Project Success

To receive a copy of this paper/presentation please contact AACEI.