Studies have many names which can cause expensive confusion as the cost of a study is proportional with the effort that went into it. And if much overtime is spent because the timing is critical than one better gets what one ordered and not too much or too little!

Is a "SEAT OF THE PANTS" estimate the same as a "BACK OF THE ENVELOPE" estimate and what is a "SCREENING ESTIMATE", "STUDY ESTIMATE", "BUDGET ESTIMATE" and "CONTROL ESTIMATE" and is a "SCOUTING STUDY" the same as a "SCREENING STUDY" and how does the "INITIATION NOTE" fit in? Is a "PRE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN" and "FEASIBILITY STUDY " the same and what is a "CONCEPTUAL DESIGN" and how about "DEVELOPMENT PLAN", "PROJECT SPECIFICATION", "BASIS OF DESIGN", "PROJECT EXECUTION PLAN" and "DETAILED DESIGN"? Where do all these start and end and how much paper is produced after each of these studies, how long do they take and what is the cost?

As the titles do not really define what is involved there is a great confusion on what is meant. Some companies have good descriptions others not and particularly when different companies and contractors are involved there is no unity.

Make, if necessary, your own definition but clearly state how much effort goes into each study, manpower, duration and even the number of pages output should be a good guide. Very important is the accuracy of the cost estimate often required from such a study and the accuracy of the timing.