2018 Training Tracks

 

 

 

CCEA/PCEA Certification Exam Overview


Program Introductions
Peter Andrejev

This interactive session discusses the Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA®) and Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA®) eligibility and certification requirements, examination topics, relationships to the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK®), the form and administration of the certification examination, the recertification program, and specialty designations such as the CCEA–Parametric Methods.

Keywords: CCEA, PCEA, Certification, Examination, Recertification

Cost Estimating Basics Track


Cost Estimating Basics
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB01)
Robert Hunt
Tom Dauber

The Cost Estimating Basics session introduces an overview of cost estimating and analysis and the reasons for doing cost estimates. Additionally, the motivation for cost estimating, why and how it is used, and challenges and issues will be presented. Cost estimating products will be reviewed, and a general introduction of the process and methods used to develop cost estimates will be discussed, providing the background information and fundamental knowledge needed for the other CEB sessions.


Cost Estimating Techniques
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB02)
Patrick Malone
Abigail Snoznik

This module introduces four essential cost estimating techniques that practitioners most often use to develop credible and realistic estimates. They are analogy, parametric, build-up, and extrapolation from actuals. We explain how to use these techniques, compare and contrast them to provide flexibility when estimating. Moreover, each technique has strengths and weaknesses, varying degrees of applicability at different times during a program’s life cycle and different levels of fidelity required for an estimate. Last, we discuss related topics such as schedule and operations & support estimating.


Data Collection
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB04)
Walter Bednarski
Christina Snyder

This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 04 Data Collection of CEBoK. All estimating techniques and cost estimating models require credible data before they can be used effectively. In this module we will discuss the various types of data, processes needed to collect and analyze the data used in parametric applications, as well as data types, sources, and adjustment techniques.


Inflation
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB05)
Omar Akbik
Nicole Robertson

This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 05 Inflation and Index Numbers of CEBoK. Proper inflation analysis is essential to the success of any cost estimate or economic analysis. Calculating inflation correctly and understanding the fundamental concepts will enable you to produce cost estimates that are timely, accurate, and credible to support your program’s lifecycle needs. It will also empower you to communicate with key stakeholders on the need to adjust your financial estimates based on changes in the economy.


Data Analysis
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB06)
Jeremy Goucher
Alex Krencicki

This session discusses the first analytical steps to take after obtaining a set of cost data, with a particular emphasis on techniques for displaying and analyzing data graphically. It addresses univariate, bivariate, and multivariate data sets, with a focus on statistical analysis of univariate data sets and graphical analysis of bivariate data sets via scatter plots. It introduces measures of central tendency, measures of variability, and measures of uncertainty, such as confidence and prediction intervals.


Learning Curve Analysis
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB07)
Jackie Dalton
Patrick McCarthy

This is a training track presentation of the CEBoK Module 7 (Learning Curves). The presentation will cover the key ideas, analytical constructs and applications of the learning curve module. The target audience are those preparing to take the ICEAA certification exam. Beyond the theoretical information, we will present the study questions for Module 7 with steps required to solve the problems using only a calculator as is required on the certification exam.


Risk Analysis Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB09)
Omar Akbik
Thomas Harless

This session will provide motivation for the need for risk analysis and introduce the basic types and uses of risk. It will focus on the practical execution of the general risk analysis process: (1) Develop a point estimate; (2) Identify the risk areas in the point estimate; (3) Determine uncertainty around the point estimate; (4) Apply correlation between uncertainty distributions; (5) Run the Monte Carlo simulation; (6) Assess the reasonableness of results; (7) Calculate, allocate, and phase risk dollars; and (8) Show the results.


Prob/Stat Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB10)
Michael Shortell
Anh Pham Waddell

This will be a review of statistical and probability concepts relevant to cost estimation and uncertainty. Topics will include statistics; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; and important probability distributions and their linkage to cost estimates. We also introduce the concept of a random variable; Monte Carlo simulation; the Inverse CDF method; and thoughts on the differences between the normal and lognormal distributions. Finally, we discuss hypothesis testing and its relationship to cost estimating.


Software Cost Estimating
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB12)
Arlene Minkiewicz
Blaze Smallwood

An organization that can collect its own data and developed its own set of capabilities for analyzing their data and build their estimation models can develop:
a key competitive advantage in market-oriented organizations, and
a key credibility advantage in organizations in non competitive contexts.
This training session will present the key steps to develop estimation models based on COSMIC Function Points, including: An overview of the COSMIC function points for measuring software size, including embedded and real-time software, an overview of the estimation process, and where Function Points are contributing, economic interpretation of estimation models with Function Points, how to build COSMIC-based estimation models and the insights gained, and how to use COSMIC-based estimation models at estimation time. The tutorial will include references to COSMIC estimation models developed in industry.


Economic Analysis Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB13)
Dan Harper
Blaze Smallwood

This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 13 Economic Analysis of CEBoK. It will be of particular interest to anyone studying for the ICEAA certification exam. The session provides a practitioner’s perspective for conducting an economic analysis (EA) by reviewing EA concepts, terminology, variables and measures-of-merit. By accounting for monetized costs, monetized benefits, opportunity costs and time-value-of-money (“discounting”), an EA enables one to calculate economic measures-of-merit.


Contract Pricing
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB14)
Chris Kaldes
Justin Knowles

This session explores the basics of contract pricing and the roles of cost estimating in the process. In this session, we explore the various contract types, and the factors and considerations related to choosing a contract type. We also explore how fee is calculated, and how risk is shared between the government and the vendor. We will also look at the cost-price proposal preparation, the makeup of a good Basis of Estimate (BOE) and evaluation efforts.


EVM Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB15)
Sriram Krishnan
Kellie Scarbrough

This session will provide an introduction to the basic concepts of earned value management (EVM), with a focus on implementation, governance, and practical application in support of a project or program. Specific topics will include basic EVM components and data elements, as well as standard earned value analysis techniques. We will use practice problems throughout the presentation to demonstrate and reinforce the basic principles of EVM.

Advanced Cost Topics Track


GAO Cost Assessment Guide
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT01)
Eric Plumer

In March 2009, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, Best Practices for Developing and Managing Capital Program Costs. The guide was developed to establish a consistent methodology based on best practices and that can be used across the federal government for developing, managing, and evaluating capital program cost estimates. This training will introduce the twelve-step process, describe the characteristics and contents of a high quality estimate, and illustrate the application of the guide to GAO assessments.


Technical Baselines
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT02)
Jason Dechoretz
Eric Plumer

Understanding the technical and programmatic issues of the program/product you are estimating is key to developing a good cost estimate. This session discusses what information you need to baseline the technical and programmatic aspects of the program, the questions that need to be asked to ensure a clear understanding and how these issues translate into a cost perspective.


Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT03)
Neil Albert

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a critical to managing, planning, estimating and assessing performance of any project. The WBS development is critical to ensure that all team members, industry and government, communicate and coordinate their activities. This presentation discusses the key attributes of a good WBS in scoping and planning of projects. The presentation provides the generally accepted concepts of the use and application of the WBS as well as why it is often misunderstood. and not used for maximum effectiveness.


Advanced Probability and Statistics
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT05)
Peter J. Braxton

This session will provide the analyst with an overview of advanced probability and statistical concepts and methods that are applied in cost analysis, with an emphasis on probability distributions, nonparametric statistics, nonparametric statistics, and hypothesis testing. This session draws heavily on Module 10 Probability and Statistics of the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK®). It also uses engaging Excel demonstrations to better illustrate and develop intuition for the underlying mathematics, and lively personal datasets from the presenter’s avocation as a cruciverbalist.


Manufacturing Cost Estimating
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT06)
Patrick McCarthy
Cynthia Prince

The goal of the Manufacturing Cost Estimating module is to arm the student with a set of techniques used to address issues unique to estimating in the manufacturing environment. It will be our objective in this module to raise a few of the most common general issues, considerations and concerns the estimator must be aware of in a typical major manufacturing environment and to provide techniques for addressing them. Depending on time and interest of attendees, example problems can be worked as exam preparation.


Risk Analysis Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT07)
Marc Greenberg
Christian B. Smart

This session will delve into advanced topics in risk, including a short and entertaining refresher on basic cost risk analysis. We will perform an analysis of historical risk data by studying the effect of program size on cost / schedule growth and how we can use this information in our risk analysis. This session covers the Related and Advanced Topics section of Module 09 Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis of CEBoK.


Economic Analysis Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT08)
Marc Greenberg
Cynthia Prince

This course follows a similar methodology presented in CEB10 Economic Analysis Basic, but includes additional examples on how to: (1) depict incremental cash flow diagrams, (2) account for non-monetary benefits and (3) use the content from a cash flow diagram to calculate Net Present Value (NPV) and Equivalent Uniform Annual Worth (EUAW). This course concludes with an example and discussion on how to select the preferred alternative based upon not one but three economic measures-of-merit.


Schedule Estimating and Analysis
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT09)
Justin Hornback
Ben Unruh

Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of – Benjamin Franklin. This workshop will cover scheduling basics, desired attributes of a valid project schedules, schedule estimating, and a schedule analysis framework important to schedule and cost estimator analysts.


Schedule Risk Analysis
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT10)
Justin Hornback

Schedule Risk Analysis (SRA) is the process of performing a probabilistic risk analysis on a project schedule. SRA is based on using Monte Carlo (or other) simulations that incorporate duration uncertainty distributions, as well as discrete risks that have a likelihood of impacting the schedule to produce a confidence level for meeting project completion. This workshop will guide analysts through the process of developing a Schedule Risk Analysis model and how to interpret results.


Joint Cost and Schedule Risk
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT11)
Ben Unruh

Recognizing the need to ensure results from cost and schedule risk analyses are compatible, agencies, such as NASA, have recently implemented policy requiring the integration of these two, formerly separate, practices. This training course will provide analysts an overview on how they can integrate their cost estimates, schedules, and risk register into a single cohesive model that can then be analyzed to predict future cost and schedule growth and identify their sources so that mitigative actions can be taken.


EVM Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT12)
Eric Lofgren
Rachael Pascale
Ken Rhodes

This session builds upon the concepts introduced in Earned Value Management System (EVMS) Basic Concepts. It assumes a basic familiarity with EVM data elements, and with calculation of variances and performance indices. The session focuses on critical analysis of EVM data, including a discussion of how traditional earned value analytical techniques can produce misleading or incomplete indicators of performance. Alternative techniques for assessing program performance are discussed, including heuristic equations and visual displays of information that can provide an early indication to decision-makers as to whether a particular effort is headed for success or failure.


Life Cycle Cost overview Practical Applications
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT13)
Greg Kiviat

Parametrics Track


Parametric Estimating and Cost Estimating Relationships
Parametrics Track (PAR01)
Natalie Faucher
Kyle Thomas

This module serves as an introduction to parametric cost estimating and cost estimating relationships. Parametric estimating involves developing relationships between technical, programmatic, and cost characteristics in order to project future costs. Key concepts include cost drivers, parametric models, and the development of cost estimating relationships.


Regression Linear
Parametrics Track (PAR02)
William Barfield
Ryan Horn

PAR2 introduces the basic concepts of regression and provides a demonstration of a simple linear ordinary least squares model. This session focuses on the basics required to build and evaluate a simple linear model such as a Cost Estimating Relationship (CER). Key concepts include correlation, minimizing error, homoscedasticity, statistical significance, goodness of fit, confidence intervals, uncertainty, and analysis of variance. The better you understand these concepts, the better you will be able to make inferences about cost data and employ more complicated regression techniques.


Regression Nonlinear/Multivariate
Parametrics Track (PAR03)
Peter J. Braxton

Building on a foundation of ordinary least squares (OLS), this session expands to nonlinear and multiple regression models, with an emphasis on interpreting regression statistics and practical modeling considerations. This session draws heavily on Module 8 Regression Analysis of the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK®). It also uses engaging Excel demonstrations to better illustrate and develop intuition for the underlying mathematics, and lively personal datasets from the presenter’s avocation as a cruciverbalist.


Regression Multiplicative
Parametrics Track (PAR04)
Christian B. Smart

This tutorial focuses on the development and use of CERs that are nonlinear and have multiplicative errors. Three methods for developing CERs are presented: log-transformed ordinary least squares, minimum unbiased percentage error, and zero percent bias minimum percent error. The optimality of each method is discussed.


CER Risk and SCurves
Parametrics Track (PAR05)
Christian B. Smart
Tomeka S. Williams

This session focuses on how to access three sources of risk for CERs derived from regression: input uncertainty, model uncertainty, and external factors. Standard error of the estimate (SEE), confidence interval (CI), and predictive interval (PI) are introduced, then error bands and S-Curves generated from these formulae are illustrated. SEE, PI, and CI are compared and why SEE-based techniques (while commonly used) almost always underestimate risk and uncertainty.


Complex Models Software
Parametrics Track (PAR07)
Arlene Minkiewicz
Sanathanan Rajagopal

This training session provides an overview of complex software estimating models and describes the recommended processes for using them. Because software spending in DoD and NASA is increasingly significant, it is critical for those involved in software acquisition to understand the factors that drive software development and maintenance costs. This training session discusses software estimating methodologies, emphasizing those models used in industry and government and highlights software improvement activities that are relevant to software estimating.

Software CEBoK Training Track


Estimation in the Software Lifecycle
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT01)
Presenter: Denise Nelson

This module provides an overview of estimation approaches and what estimation approach can be best applied in combination with what lifecycle.


Estimation Principles
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT02)
Author: Eric van der Vliet
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet

The estimation principles module focusses on the most important considerations that are essential for success and are intended to be applied during the creation, review and approval of estimates. A Top-10 of estimation principles will be explained to be applied to Software Estimation.


Solution Based Estimation
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT03)
Author: Eric van der Vliet
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet

This module explains the Solution Based Estimation (SBE) method that aligns the relation between Solution, Estimating, Control and Metrics. SBE is an pragmatic approach where estimates are defined based on a Solution Architecture. SBE will increase the completeness of estimates as well as the traceability from solutions throughout the estimate to delivery control.


Basis of Estimate (BOE)
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT04)
Author: Ton Dekkers
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet

A very important aspect of Cost Engineering is communication. Best Practise 74R-13: Basis of Estimate – As applied for the Software Services Industries, provides a structure to create a common understanding of costs. If the BoE is applied, a defendable and transparent view of the likely cost outcome (and indication of effort, schedule or scope in case of an Agile project) is available. An excellent basis for validation and verification upfront (estimation, proposal) or control afterwards (audit).


Basis of Measurement (BOM)
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT05)
Author: Eric van der Vliet
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet

A Basis of Measurement documents the measurement program for an organizational unit, covering the process, organization and technology required for that program. This module presents the topics that have to be addressed when setting up a measurement program within an organization and need to be documented in the BOM.


Budget Process
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT06)
Author: Frank Vogelezang
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet

In order to determine a good pricing for IT contracts it is important to have a clear understanding of the relationship between Budget, Pricing and Effort. This module covers the economics for both budgeting and pricing and teaches the fundamentals of Cost Estimation, based on the principles in the Basis of Estimate, the standard developed by AACEi and Nesma. The principles are applied to common financial issues like the pricing of outsourced activities and TCO calculations.


Cost Drivers
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT07)
Author: Arlene Minkiewicz
Presenter: Arlene Minkiewicz

This module discusses the general forms of various size based software cost and effort estimation models. In this context, it then provides a discussion of the different factors, in addition to software size, that may influence the estimated cost and effort. The reasons for these potential influences will be presented along with ideas as to how organizations can apply these concepts to improve software project planning.


Software Cost Estimation Methods
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT08)
Author: Wilson Rosa
Presenter: James Doswell

This module provides an overview of formal estimation methods and parametric estimation models including a comparison between the methods.


Estimation Methods – Size Based Methods
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT09)
Authors: COSMIC, IFPUG, NESMA, Dan Galorath
Presenter: Harold van Heeringen

This modules provides a detailed overview of three ISO certified sizing methods from Cosmic, IFPUG and Nesma.


Metrics Collection and Basic Analysis
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT10)
Author: NESMA
Presenter: Carol Dekkers

The module Metrics Collection & Basis Data Analysis deals with the basics of data and metrics. The purpose of data analysis is explained, along with basic understanding of application of measurements and basic statistical methods. The focus is on understanding use and usefulness of both data and analysis, not so much the technical statistical details.


Statistics to Support Basic Metric Analysis
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT11)
Author: NESMA
Presenter: Jeremy Goucher

This module provides an overview of basis statistics than can be applied while analyzing software metrics what includes scatter plots, regression analysis and statistical significance.


Benchmarking
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT12)
Author: NESMA
Presenters: Eric van der Vliet, Harold van Heeringen

This module explains the concept of benchmarking in a software estimation context. This usually occurs when customer organizations are going to outsource software development or maintenance to supplier(s). Suppliers benchmark to understand the competitiveness of their offer and customer organizations benchmark the price of the services to be outsourced to understand the landing zone of the bids expected.


Introduction – Application Maintenance
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT13)
Author: Sanathanan Rajagopal
Presenter: Sanathanan Rajagopal

This module provides an introduction into software maintenance and support and the challenges to estimate these type of mainteance disciplines.


Estimation Maturity
Software CEBoK Training Track (SWT14)
Author: Esteban Sanchez
Presenter: Brian Glauser

In today’s environment of massive software cost overruns, the moist finger in the air and trusting of expert judgement are no longer acceptable and companies are slowly awakening to the adoption of formal cost estimation practices, making Estimation a key process within the organization. This workshop introduces the concept of Estimation Maturity and presents an example of an Estimation Maturity Model, along with guidelines for implementation and business buy-in.