ABSTRACT
The project manager faces constant challenges in the changing environment in which he operates. A significant dedication of resources has been made in the development of worker productivity measurement as a result of the continual outcry over its perceived decline. A large engineering organization made an attempt to identify the changes that have been attributed to project cost escalation. This study concentrated on the reasons for the escalation of home office jobhours and costs over the period from 1960 to 1980. A large number of experienced personnel were requested to list the reasons why the scope of their work had increased or decreased in their area of expertise. The individuals polled represented a complete cross section of engineering, procurement, construction, and project control backgrounds. The responses to this poll were tabulated and found to fall into nine separate categories of change. These were technology, schedule, quality, personnel, owner, computer, motivation, tradeoffs and measurement.
