Posted by Comprehensive Costing Model for WATer and Environmental Research Systems Network (WATERS Network)
Methods & Models Track
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Abstract:
This presentation will review the development of a preliminary costing approach and model for a large scale, multidisciplinary scientific project being developed by numerous principal investigators across the country: the WATERS Network. This project is a joint initiative between the hydrologic science and environmental engineering research communities and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide opportunities to further the scientific understanding of water as an integrated resource and the effects of anthropological activities. It is a bold environmental observatory initiative to transform research on the water environment by investing in new infrastructure and facilitate investigations (WATERS Network, 2008). The preliminary scientific design and goals have been established and the project is now in the detailed engineering design phase. The costing team aims to create a reliable and all inclusive costing model for WATERS Network. The model is an amalgamation of the ABC cost analysis process and four part cost estimating. Thus far the model is developed to include capital cost, operations and maintenance cost and personnel cost for one observatory with a time horizon of 10 years. Going forward the model aims to scale up to include the entire network and the inputs of the detailed engineering design. We will present the process we are using to develop the model as well as the preliminary spreadsheet design which balances flexibility for multiple iterations with ease of use.
Author(s):
Akshay Raut
Engineering Management Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
Jaineel Aga
Engineering Management Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
Jeffrey T. Glass
Engineering Management Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
Thariq Kara
Engineering Management Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University