Enough scope yields better estimates

Cost predictions which are lower than the budget of the actual built project are routinely labeled bad estimates. However, the large majority of cost growth derives from scope growth. Much of this scope growth is frivolous. Recommendations are made as to how this common problem might be minimized, and frequent agents that contribute to cost growth are identified and examined. Economic consequences of such waste are considered. An argument is made for the early development of realistic scope statements, in order that more accurate estimates may be made, and unexpected waste and overruns may be avoided.