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Project Cost Estimating and Budgeting

An estimate built on optimism rather than method is a budget overrun waiting to happen. This course teaches practical estimating techniques, from analogous and parametric estimating through to bottom up costing, and shows how to turn an estimate into a defensible project budget with contingency that reflects actual risk, calibrated to South African cost data and supplier realities.

What you will be able to do

  • Select an estimating technique appropriate to the information available at each project stage.
  • Build bottom up cost estimates from a validated work breakdown structure.
  • Apply parametric and analogous estimating methods where detailed data is limited.
  • Calculate contingency and management reserve based on quantified project risk.
  • Convert an approved estimate into a time phased budget and cash flow.
  • Track budget performance and explain variances to sponsors in plain terms.

Course outline

  1. 01Estimating techniques and their limits
  2. 02Bottom up costing from the WBS
  3. 03Parametric and analogous estimating
  4. 04Contingency and management reserve
  5. 05Building a time phased project budget
  6. 06Cash flow forecasting for projects
  7. 07Budget tracking and variance explanation
  8. 08Estimating lessons for future bids

Who should attend

Project managers, cost engineers, quantity surveyors, financial controllers and project accountants responsible for estimating and budgeting project work.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Durban3R13,000
24 to 26 Aug 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
7 to 9 Sep 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Dubai3US$1,500
21 to 23 Sep 2026Lagos3US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026Harare3US$1,500
5 to 7 Oct 2026Kampala3US$1,500
12 to 14 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Pretoria3R13,000
26 to 28 Oct 2026Cape Town3R13,000
9 to 11 Nov 2026Online3US$900
16 to 18 Nov 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Cairo3US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Accra3US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
14 to 16 Dec 2026Kigali3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Nairobi3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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