From: INCOSE2004 [INCOSE2004@comcast.net]
Sent: Sat 4/30/2005 3:52 PM
To: INCOSE2004@comcast.net
Cc:
Subject: INCOSE Meeting Tues - MAY 17 - Probabilistic risk-based cost and schedule estimating

To: Distribution

Subject: INCOSE Meeting Tues >> MAY 17 <<

International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

>>>> MAY 17 <<<<, Tuesday Evening Monthly Program

5:30 PM Social Half-Hour and hot snack
6:00-7:00 Talk followed by questions.
Networking and sidebars to 8 PM.

Speaker: Dr. William Roberds

Topic: Probabilistic risk-based cost and schedule estimating

Abstract:
The cost and schedule of many large infrastructure projects have been significantly underestimated, especially early in design when decisions are being made, leading to significant problems (e.g., the “Big Dig”). Rather than developing a deterministic (single value) estimate, which is based on a large number of reasonable assumptions that might eventually turn out to be invalid and whose degree of conservatism is somewhat arbitrary and unknown, it is suggested that the uncertainties in the actual, ultimate cost and schedule be itemized and quantified. In this way, the degree of confidence in any particular estimate, or an appropriate budget and schedule with a particular chance of exceedance, can be determined, and the risks can be meaningfully prioritized for management. This process, which has been adopted and applied by various public agencies (including WSDOT and USFTA), will be presented and discussed.

Bio:
Dr. William Roberds, Principal at Golder Associates Inc., Decision and Risk Analyst (Redmond WA).
Bill has been with Golder Associates since 1980 – before which he taught at several universities and worked for several other geotechnical consultants. He is a recognized international expert in risk and decision analysis. He has been responsible for a wide range of local, national, and international projects related to various aspects of siting, investigation, analysis, design, permitting, construction, operating, monitoring, remediation, decommissioning and post-decommissioning of civil, mining and environmental engineering projects, for a wide range of private and public clients. Many of these projects included appropriate consideration of various types of consequences, including their associated uncertainties, and multiple stakeholders, including the public and regulators. Consensus on the technical evaluations and on the decision based on these evaluations was typically achieved on these projects through workshops he facilitated. Currently, he is conducting probabilistic cost and schedule estimates on several mega-projects, including numerous projects for WSDOT and for USFTA (including redevelopment of World Trade Center in NYC). On the topic of risk and decision analysis, Bill: has more than 80 published papers / reports and presentations; serves on various national (e.g., ASCE and TRB) and international (e.g. ISSMFE and IUGS) committees; serves as a professional journal reviewer and advisor to various public agencies (e.g. USGS, USDOE, FTA); speaks by invitation to various conferences, symposia and organizations; presents workshops; and conducts funded research. Bill has an M.S. and D.Sc. in Civil Engineering from MIT and a BS (with distinction) in Civil Engineering from Stanford University.

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RSVP online at http://www.incose.org/sfbac/rsvp.html

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Distance Participants:
Audio - 877-384-0543, Passcode: 19693600
Video - https://cisco.webex.com (PCs only) Session Number: 821874299

Distance participants please RSVP to cmcdevit@cisco.com to ensure we have enough lines. Also please plan to log on around 5:50 to establish hook-up.

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Place: Cisco Systems, SJ-I/1-Kodiak, 285 West Tasman Drive (corner Vista Montana)

Take the First Street exit off of Highway 237. South on First, right at Vista Montana, and just before Tasman, left into parking lot. Proceed to Building I. Come to the front door.

Maps at http://www.incose.org/sfbac/cisco-bldg_i.html

If arriving late, the meeting is in the conference room directly to the right of the front door - knock on the window to be let in.

Donation: FREE for members; $4 for non-members

Reservations: RSVP online at http://www.incose.org/sfbac/rsvp.html

For more information, contact:
Carol Ann McDevitt, 408-525-4565, cmcdevit@cisco.com or
Dorothy McKinney, 408-742-8790, dorothy.mckinney@lmco.com or
Tom Jackson, 408-742-2013, t.l.jackson@lmco.com

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The INCOSE website is at http://www.incose.org

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The mission of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), a non-profit professional society, is to "foster the definition, and practice of World Class Systems Engineering in industry, academia, and government."

The SF Bay Area Chapter presents thought-provoking monthly programs for its members and their guests. Learn about the INCOSE at www.incose.org.