Project and ContractFront End Engineering Design Management
The decisions with the largest effect on a capital project's cost are made before detailed design starts, when the least is known and the least is being spent. This course covers managing that phase. Delegates work through concept selection and the studies that support it, the front end loading measures that predict project outcome, and the scope definition that a good design basis produces. Estimating accuracy by phase is covered honestly, including why a class 4 estimate cannot be treated as a commitment. Risk and value work are integrated. The course closes on the stage gate decision, on readiness for detailed design, and on the cost of moving forward unprepared.
Course objectives
- Run concept selection and the studies that support it
- Apply front end loading measures to predict project outcome
- Produce a design basis that properly defines scope
- Interpret estimating accuracy by project phase
- Integrate risk and value work into the front end
- Prepare and defend a stage gate decision
- Assess readiness for detailed design honestly
Who should attend
- Project and engineering managers on capital projects
- Front end and concept engineers
- Cost estimators and project controls staff
- Business development and investment staff
- Executives approving capital projects at stage gates
Course outline
- 01Where the cost is actually decided
- 02Concept selection and supporting studies
- 03Front end loading measures
- 04Design basis and scope definition
- 05Estimating accuracy by phase
- 06Risk and value integration
- 07Stage gate decisions
- 08Readiness for detailed design
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 to 20 November 2026 | Online | Online | R8,500 per delegate | Register Now |
| 30 November to 4 December 2026 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | Register Now |
| 7 to 11 December 2026 | Durban, South Africa | Classroom | R19,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 15 to 19 February 2027 | Pretoria, South Africa | Classroom | R19,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 15 to 19 March 2027 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Classroom | R19,950 per delegate | Register Now |