Serbian engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla said:

“Before I put a sketch on paper, the whole idea is worked out mentally. In my mind, I change the construction, make improvements, and even operate the device. Without ever having drawn a sketch I can give the measurements of all parts to workmen, and when completed all these parts will fit, just as certainly as though I had made the actual drawings. It is immaterial to me whether I run my machine in my mind or test it in my shop. The inventions I have conceived in this way have always worked. In 30 years, there has not been a single exception. My first electric motor, the vacuum wireless light, my turbine engine and many other devices have all been developed in exactly this way.”

While the technological advances of Tesla’s era were astounding for their time, one wonders what he and other inventors at the turn of the last century could have done with today’s technology. For example, take Google Earth and SketchUp—the subject of this month’s online project management column by John Jurewicz. No paper or pencil is needed to create 3-D models of whole city blocks. The equations and concepts set forth by Larry True in our project controls column take the guesswork out of equipment cost estimating. Gordon Aronson presents innovative arguments for accommodating uncertainty in estimating and planning. And finally, today’s industry conventions definitely offer an up-to-date look at the changing times, as Paul Levin points out in his review of the recent PMICoS conference in Orlando, Fla.

By Larry True
In this first of two articles on controlling equipment costs, Larry True addresses the concepts and issues involved with procuring an accurate figure for equipment costs.

By Paul Levin
From old standards to new tools, the third annual Project Management Institute College of Scheduling conference presents a plethora of offerings to satisfy the scheduler dedicated to improving his practice. Paul Levin offers a review of the highlights of the most recent conference, held in Orlando, Fla.

By John Jurewicz of ASPTIP.COM
With Google’s recent acquisition of SketchUp, three-dimensional modeling can now go global. John Jurewicz offers a short tutorial on how to merge Google Earth with SketchUp for 3-D effects.

By Gordon H. Aronson
The only constant in life is change. Gordon Aronson offers some eye-opening reasons to factor in uncertainty into estimating, planning and scheduling for any construction project.

Here’s a look at recent items in the news.