Project Management

Project Cost Estimating and Control

Accurate estimates and disciplined cost control determine whether projects stay within budget. This course covers estimate classes and methods, building cost breakdown structures, contingency and escalation, budget baselines, commitment and expenditure tracking, change control, forecasting final cost and cost reporting.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Cost overruns usually start with weak estimates and loose control. You will learn techniques that improve both.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Estimating exercises, cost control spreadsheets, a running project case and reporting workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain estimate classes and accuracy ranges
Apply parametric, analogous and bottom-up estimating
Build cost breakdown structures and budgets
Include contingency and escalation
Track commitments, actuals and forecasts
Report and control project costs

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project managers
Cost engineers and estimators
Quantity surveyors
Project control professionals
Finance business partners on projects

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Cost estimating
Budgeting
Cost tracking
Forecasting
Change control

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Estimating Foundations

09:00–10:08Estimate classes
10:08–11:00Accuracy and ranges
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Accuracy and ranges (continued)
11:45–12:53Estimating process
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Estimating Methods

09:00–10:08Analogous and parametric
10:08–11:00Bottom-up estimates
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Bottom-up estimates (continued)
11:45–12:53Benchmarks and data
12:53–14:00Workshop: estimate build

Day 3Budgets and Contingency

09:00–10:08Cost breakdown structures
10:08–11:00Contingency and reserves
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Contingency and reserves (continued)
11:45–12:53Escalation
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Cost Control

09:00–10:08Commitments and actuals
10:08–11:00Variance analysis
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Variance analysis (continued)
11:45–12:53Change control
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Forecasting and Reporting

09:00–10:08Estimate at completion
10:08–11:00Cost reports
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Cost reports (continued)
11:45–12:53Lessons for future estimates
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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