Archaeology isn’t just about dusty ruins and ancient artefacts—it’s about uncovering the stories of the past to better understand our present and future. In this episode of The Cost of Everything Podcast, I dive into the fascinating world of buried treasures, exploring their historical, economic, and cultural significance.

I discuss:

• The value of archaeological discoveries like the Didcot Hoard and the lost Roman emperor Domitianus.
• How ancient currencies such as shekels and drachmas inform our understanding of historical economies.
• The critical role of legal frameworks like the Treasure Act in preserving our shared heritage.
• How modern construction projects incorporate archaeological assessments to protect cultural history.
• The fallacies and challenges of assigning value to historical artefacts in modern economic terms.

Join me as I uncover how ancient coins, forgotten hoards, and a modern day treasure hunt connect to today’s world. From construction sites in the UK to international treasure hunts, we’ll explore the enduring allure of buried treasures and why their value goes far beyond money.

🎧 Don’t miss this journey through history, economics, and discovery!

Subscribe for more episodes on the costs that shape our world. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share with your network.

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Flooding is one of the most pressing and costly consequences of climate change, with its impacts felt across homes, businesses, ecosystems, and economies. In this episode of The Cost of Everything Podcast, I investigate the financial, social, and environmental toll of flooding, focusing on the UK as a case study.

We explore:

• The direct and indirect costs of major flood events like the recent Storm Bert and the 2007 and 2015 floods.
• The long-term financial impacts on property values, insurance, and local economies.
• The role of flood defenses and nature-based solutions in building resilience and mitigating future risks.
• Global flood management strategies and what the UK can learn from them.
• The critical role cost estimators play in ensuring efficient resource allocation for flood defense.

Join me as I uncover how flooding affects us all and why investing in resilience is both an economic necessity and a moral imperative.

Link to donate to the Canal and River Trust charity: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/perfectstorm

Join the CostViz LinkedIn Page: Here

Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. 

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, we explore the rising interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the financial realities behind their potential to transform nuclear energy. SMRs have been hailed as the future of nuclear power, with their smaller footprint, modular design, and faster build times. But what are the true costs involved in bringing them to scale?

Join us I look into:

• The unique cost structure of SMRs versus traditional reactors
• Insights from the World Economic Forum’s recent white paper on accelerating SMR deployment and building a supportive regulatory framework
• Advanced applications of SMRs beyond electricity, including decarbonizing shipping and supporting deep-space missions
• How SMRs could pave the way for Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and innovative fuel cycles that reduce nuclear waste

For cost estimators, nuclear industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of clean energy, this episode unpacks the economic, regulatory, and technological factors shaping the future of SMRs.

Tune in to understand what it will really take for SMRs to succeed as a scalable, carbon-free energy source!

Join the LinkedIn Page: Here

Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. 

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, we’re going where (many) have gone before: on a journey into the financial frontier of space! 💸

Space exploration has transformed over the past few decades. Once the domain of billion-dollar government programs, it’s now opening up to commercial ventures, groundbreaking private companies, and even tourism. But what does it really cost to reach the stars?

🎧 Tune in to learn about:

• The evolving costs of space missions, from Apollo to Mars and beyond
• How companies like SpaceX are changing the economics of space by reducing launch costs 
• The emerging market for space tourism and who’s leading the charge
• The economic impact of satellite constellations and commercial space projects
• The innovative techniques used to estimate costs in complex, cutting-edge projects

We also look at parametric estimating, a crucial tool for early stage estimating of complex projects.

The future of space exploration looks bright—and surprisingly accessible. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, cost analyst, or tech innovator, this episode is for you!

👉 Listen now to uncover the real costs (and benefits!) of reaching the final frontier!

Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. 

#SpaceExploration #CostAnalysis #Aerospace #SpaceX #Starship #Innovation #TheCostOfEverything #Podcast

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, I explore the fascinating history of the Spice Wars — a series of intense conflicts that shaped global trade in the 16th and 17th centuries. Discover how the pursuit of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and pepper drove European empires to battle for control over Southeast Asia’s valuable spice routes.

I also introduce a new section describing different definitions or techniques in estimating. This week, it's the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias that can impact cost estimators and analysts today, making this episode a perfect blend of history and practical insights.

Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. 

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Not a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away....

This episode is all about the cost and impact of the disposable nappy (diaper) market, driven by two giants, Kimberly Clark and Proctor and Gamble with potentially long lasting environmental consequences. How has the consumer reacted and battled back? What are the costs - financial, environmental and societal?

Competition! Courtesy of ICEAA (International Cost Estimating & Analysis Association), you can get a free ticket to the ICEAA and SCAF training symposium in London on the 19th and 20th September 2024 featuring presentations and training from thought leaders in cost as well as networking opportunities in a truly international setting.

TO WIN, all you have to do is like and share the post in the Link (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234858871784194048). All names will go into a "hat" (MS Excel random function), and the winner will be notified privately that they have won! Competition closes on Monday 3rd September 2024 and the winner will be notified on the 4th September 2024.

Link to the ICEAA and SCAF training symposium in London on the 19th and 20th September 2024: https://www.iceaaonline.com/its2024/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into data visualization and its applications for cost professionals. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. Don’t forget to check out Andy’s 'Explore Explain' series and his latest book for more in-depth knowledge on data visualization!"

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Andy Kirk, a leading data visualization expert and founder of Visualising Data Ltd. Andy shares his unique journey into the world of data visualization and its growing importance for companies and individual professionals. This episode is a must-listen for cost estimators, cost analysts, and project professionals looking to leverage data visualization in their work.

We cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Andy’s Journey into Data Visualization
• The Critical Role of Data Visualization in Major Companies like Apple.
• Using Charts and Visuals to Effectively Communicate Cost Data.
• Evolution of Teaching Approaches in Data Visualization.
• Profiles of Professionals Training in Data Visualization.
• The Rising Importance of Data Storytelling and How to Develop These Skills.
• Editorial Thinking and Making Informed Judgments in Data Visualization.
• Core Principles of Data Visualization and Key Themes from Andy’s Book.
• Understanding Your Audience When Visualizing Cost Data.

Andy also discusses his experiences teaching data visualization at prestigious institutions such as Imperial College and UCL, and provides insights from his 'Explore Explain' podcast series.

The upcoming book: Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design: Amazon.co.uk: Kirk, Andy: 9781529626544: Books
His website: https://visualisingdata.com/about/
Explore Explain podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExploreExplain/videos?app=desktop

Key Topics Covered:

• Andy Kirk's journey and career in data visualization
• The impact of data visualization on major companies like Apple
• Best practices for using charts and visuals in cost data
• Evolution of data visualization teaching methods
• Profiles of data visualization learners
• Development of data storytelling skills
• Editorial thinking and judgment in data visualization
• Principles and key themes from 'Visualising Data: A Handbook for Data Driven Design'
• Audience-centric approaches to visualizing cost data

Link to the ICEAA and SCAF training symposium in tLondon on the 19th and 20th September 2024: https://www.iceaaonline.com/its2024/

Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into data visualization and its applications for cost professionals. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. Don’t forget to check out Andy’s 'Explore Explain' series and his latest book for more in-depth knowledge on data visualization!"

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

This week we lost a true giant in the cost engineering and parametrics community, Dale Shermon, who passed away following his battle with brain cancer.

I share a tribute to Dale in this short episode.

Links to just a small amount of his works and interviews here:

Project Controls Expo 2020 – M4.16 Cost estimating methods and parametric applications

PCTV Link - https://projectcontrolstv.com/titles/354/cost-estimating-methods-and-parametric-applications

Project Controls Expo 2019 - Designing better Project outcomes from complex procurements

PCTV Link - https://projectcontrolstv.com/titles/599/designing-better-project-outcomes-from-complex-procurements

Project Controls Expo, London 2016 - Cost Estimating : What does a mature organisation look like?

PCTV Link - https://projectcontrolstv.com/titles/710/what-does-a-mature-cost-engineering-organisation-look-like

One of my favourite books from Dale:

https://www.routledge.com/Systems-Cost-Engineering-Program-Affordability-Management-and-Cost-Control/Shermon/p/book/9781138253865

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Welcome to the cost of everything podcast and this bonus episode!

Today I talk about the things that are coming up this year on the podcast and the Cost of Everything generally. Lots of announcements and some bonus stuff for you loyal listeners!

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CostofPodcast

Join the Patreon Group: patreon.com/CostViz

Join the Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cost-of-everything

ICEAA linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-cost-estimating-&-analysis-association-iceaa-/posts/?feedView=all

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Welcome to the cost of everything podcast and the last episode of the season!

Today we continue our series on society, people and cost with an episode about coaching for cost professionals. Our guest is Matthew Easton, a professional executive coach and an established commercial leader in his own right, with an international career spanning Europe, the Middle East, and North America in a variety of sectors including IT, aviation, construction and professional services.

As an Executive Coach he is passionate about enabling individuals to achieve the results they are looking for in order to make an impact and grow their influence within their chosen organisation.

We talk about Matt got into coaching, what coaching actually is, and when you should get a coach.

Thanks to our sponsors ICEAA and more about them here: iceaaonline.com

ICEAA linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-cost-estimating-&-analysis-association-iceaa-/posts/?feedView=all

ICEAA YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCJP3E_n0-4_nwtPOvwzha3A

ACostE YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ACOSTE_Official

Matt's Linkedin page: Matthew Easton | LinkedIn

Matt's website: MJEastonCoaching.com

Matt's email: [email protected]

Subscribe to the Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cost-of-everything

Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.