Comparing the cognitive actions of design engineers and cost estimators

Abstract

Designers are increasingly expected to consider the cost impact of their decisions. In order to quantify this impact, detailed estimates need to be prepared for the various design concepts. This paper presents a study comparing the cognitive actions of designers and professional cost estimators. The cognitive actions of designers were identified from previously published research, while the cost estimators were investigated for the first time utilizing protocol analysis techniques and a unique coding scheme developed for the study. The key similarities and differences between the two domains are then identified. The findings illustrate the key training requirements for designers to effectively produce estimates.

Keywords:

• Design
• Cost estimating
• Decision-making

Acknowledgements

The researchers acknowledge the support of the contributing engineers and members of the Decision Engineering Centre at Cranfield University. This study was funded by the EPSRC.