On any given project, whether in construction or another industry, a project triangle exists that determines the most important factor of the project, be it cost, time or quality. Whether an owner wants to or not, he or she must rank the variables in their order of importance. Understandably, the most important factor will significantly influence the other variables. It can be argued that a fourth variable—accuracy—should be placed in the center of the triangle to govern each factor, regardless of its ranking.

However, accuracy is open to interpretation. How accurate is accurate? And, when can accuracy be sacrificed for “good enough”? Those are the questions that Larry True answers in this month’s column on cost controls.

John Jurewicz provides a side-by-side summary of the industry’s leading cost control systems, their histories and their strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to download the spreadsheet.

If you missed Primavera’s 2007 user conference in Orlando in early October, read Gordon Aronson’s review of the major announcements. Whether you concur with his conclusions or not, you’ll definitely agree that changes are in store for Primavera users.

By Larry True
What does two plus two equal? Larry True suggests that it depends on whom you ask. In the world of construction, absolute accuracy is sometimes not as important as timeliness.

By John Jurewicz of ASPTIP.COM
A head-to-head comparison of the leading project management and cost control systems shows the pros and cons of each application.

By Gordon H. Aronson
The Primavera user conference offered more than just record attendance numbers. It provided fodder for discussion on what’s good and what could be better. Gordon Aronson provides his view of the road ahead.

CMAA Launches Online Certificate Programs.