Project alternatives

The economic problem is to identify the best capital investment from a set of possible alternatives. Selection is made on the basis of a systematic analysis of expected costs, and revenues if they differ, over time for each project alternative. 

Generate a set of project or purchase alternatives for consideration. Each alternative represents a distinct component or combination of components constituting investment. We shall denote project alternatives by the subscript x, where x = 1,2,. .. refers to alternatives 1, 2, and so on. 

Impact prediction should cover all project alternatives selected at scoping (either spatial or technological) and project phases (construction, operation, closure and postclosure are the main subdivisions). Moreover, exposure assessment should cover both normal operation and accidental conditions. 

Griest (1979) has discussed the effects of inflation on profitability analysis and has pointed out that the percentage change in profits after income taxes rarely increases at the rate of inflation, largely due to the effects of taxation. Assumptions about inflation can change the relative ranking of project alternatives based on net present value special techniques based on probability may be required because inflation is difficult to predict. 

The second structural element to be proposed by Pauling and Corey was the P-pleated sheet (Figure 4.7). These sheets are made up of P-strands, typically from 5 to 10 residues long, in an almost fully extended conformation, aligned alongside one another with hydrogen bonds formed between the C=0 bonds of one strand and the NH of the other, and vice versa. The P-sheets are pleated (i.e. they undulate) with the Ca atoms alternatively a little above, or a little below the plane of the P-sheet, which means that the side chains project alternatively above and below the plane. P-Strands can interact to form two types of pleated sheets. 

It is important to draw up a summarized document that describes the whole project. It has become common practice in the industry to develop a validation master plan (VMP). This document would usually include the qualification aspects of a project. Alternatively, a qualification master plan (QMP) should be drafted. In case of a large retrospective qualification project it is beneficial to write a separate QMP. The main point is to develop a document that includes the most important information of the project and can be used like a project handbook. 

Once the alternatives have been evaluated, management has to chose the preferred network design and approve an implementation project. Alternatively, the planning process has to be repeated to develop further alternatives. 

The proposed estimating and control procedures are not intended as substitutes for the detailed and sophisticated methods normally employed by contractors and propounded through the commercially available computerized programs for project management and control. They are intended to be tools to help the project engineer/manager evaluate project alternatives or monitor contraetors estimates and progress reports with limited in-house resources. 

The system of criteria is a valuable tool for demonstrating the objectivity of the planning to groups that may oppose project alternatives. 

Figure 8 (a) The pleatedness of the p sheet, showing that the R side chains project alternately above and below the sheet, (b) The twist of the p sheet illustrated for four j3-strands. (c) The reason for the twist in terms of the conformational angles 0 and i/>. The right-handed twist relieves some steric overcrowding between the main-chain carbonyl group and the side chain... 

After the impact indicators and their scales are selected, their values must be estimated from the predicted values of the environmental effects for each project alternative and for several time-scales. 

Meade, L.M., Sarkis, J. (1999). Analyzing organizational project alternatives for agile manufacturing processes An analytical network approach. International Journal of Production Research, 37(2), 241-261. 

When alternative strategies have been identified and the scope of projects established, preliminary cost estimates for the investment project alternatives can follow for opportunity or prefeasibility studies, together with a preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment. Reliability of capital and production cost estimates increase as projects progress from one stege to the next. Acceptable ranges of reliability are ... 

Pre-project work starts with an idea or concept which the client has decided to develop. The concept and design of the final process plant progresses in cycles of increasing definition. Initially a study is made, in which the concept is technically developed, optimized, and analysed as a business proposition the analysis includes considerations of technical and commercial risk, capital and operational cost, product value, and return on investment. A report is prepared if the conclusions are acceptable to the client, he may authorize the implementation of the project. Alternatively, he may authorize more funds for further conceptual development, or, of course, abandon the concept. Authorization of the implementation of the project invariably implies the expectation of a plant which will perform within specified limits, and be built in accordance with certain standards, within a promised budget and schedule. 

Provide HSE and O M with sufficient technical information on process/project alternatives to enable hazard evaluation. 

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