Engineering cost analysis - Hardcover

Courtland A Collier

9780060413293: Engineering cost analysis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060413298 ISBN 13: 9780060413293

Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books, 1982

Engineering Economic and Cost Analysis is especially written for those studying to become engineers. The third edition reflects the recent changes that have taken place in the field of engineering economy and continues to present the subject matter in a straightforward and practical manner. This book will help engineering students prepare for real-world situations and provide them with a valuable tool for how to implement cost analysis.

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From the Inside Flap:

This text is especially designed for those engineering students and professional practitioners who are new to the study of engineering economics. The language, explanations, examples, and illustrative figures are carefully selected to present the subject matter in a straightforward manner that will enable the reader to comprehend and use the material in the solution of practical everyday problems. In so doing, we have included 215 illustrative figures, 170 example problems fully worked and explained, together with 9 problems available for homework assignment or practice. About one-half of these problems have answers included with the problem. Solutions to all the problems are available to the teaching faculty in the Solutions Manual available from the publisher.

This third edition is in response to the enthusiastic reception afforded the previous edition which were adopted as a practice-oriented text in many colleges and universities around the nation. The authors gratefully appreciates these adoptions and wishes to thank all of those who made it possible.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

As in most professional subject areas, the scope of applications of engineering economy is widening continually, and this third edition has been updated to reflect many of these new applications. The first six chapters, which deal with an introduction to time-value-of-money concepts, are broadened with updated samples and homework problems. Since there is usually a choice of alternative courses of action, Chapters 7 through 14 demonstrate a variety of basic methods for comparing alternative proposals.

To deal competently with private-sector cost analysis problems the income tax consequences must be taken into account. Therefore, Chapter 15 begins a series of chapters dealing with a variety of after-tax situations likely to be encountered by the practicing engineer. The authors realize that engineering students and practitioners may not be working with a familiar subject area when they consider tax matters. Therefore, these chapters are written carefully in language familiar to engineers. This third edition has been updated to reflect the current Tax Reform Act. In addition to the new features of the act, other traditional features of tax law are included, both for a sense of historical perspective, as well as in anticipation that many of these traditional features likely will be reintroduced into U.S. tax law within the foreseeable future. Chapters 18 and 19 explain how to determine the profitability of investments involving real estate, when to sell, and when to keep. The text is well illustrated with specific examples. Chapter 20 presents straightforward solutions to the problems of determining the optimum replacement time for a currently owned piece of equipment, and what sort of life-cycle time to expect from the replacement equipment.

Since computers are readily available to both students and professional practitioners, several examples of spread sheet programs have been included to facilitate problem solving.

Chapter 21 on double gradients contains updated material dealing with escalating cost which is an often overlooked problem area that has frustrated engineers for many years. For example, in doing a cost analysis of an excavator, when the productivity (in cubic yards per hour) is decreasing with age, but the price of the excavation (in dollars per cubic yard) is also changing with time, the double gradient can eliminate potentially significant errors that are inherent in older methods of solution.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As in previous editions the authors again acknowledge with deep gratitude the very helpful input to this text from alert, inquiring students, as well as conscientious faculty and professional practitioners. Those of you who have worked seemingly endless hours on favorite projects know that endeavors like this are made possible in large part by the patience and loving support of wife and family to whom we owe so much in helping bring this edition to fruition. A sincere word of thanks is due also to the understanding and hardworking editor and staff at Addison-Wesley Longman

Courtland A. Collier Charles R. Glagola

From the Back Cover:

Engineering Economic and Cost Analysis, by Courtland A. Collier and Charles R. Glagola, is especially written for practicing engineers and those studying to become engineers. The third edition reflects the recent changes that have taken place in the field of engineering economy and continues to present the subject matter in a straightforward and practical manner. This book will help engineering students prepare for real-world situations and provide professionals with a valuable tool for how to implement cost analysis.

Features:

Addresses important concepts in civil engineering practice with numerous worked examples
Provides a logical development of economic analysis principles in the first six chapters
Promotes understanding of the relationship between time and money by providing numerous cash flow diagrams
Covers advanced topics like equipment replacement and double gradients in more depth than competing books

New to the Third Edition:

Contains 165 revised examples and additional cash flow diagrams to provide greater opportunity for appreciating economic principles in practice
Offers worked spreadsheet examples that allow readers to work problems with both conventional and computer methods
Provides updated information for current tax laws

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