3. Instructor: Engineer/ Mohamed Maged
Project Control Manager, MBA, PgCert, B.Sc. of Civil engineering, with
experience in MENA region of (construction, infrastructure, and roads) Mega
projects, in professions of Contract administration, Procurement, Tender estimating,
Cost control, Planning & Claim analysis.
Certificates & Memberships:
CCP, PMP, ACIArb, AIA Fellow, SCE-Consultant, FIDIC Contracts Consultant
M.M. Organized four Annual Conferences of Planning and Project Management (Anniversary of
Facebook Page: Prof.Planner)- American University in Cairo, 2014, 2015 & Online 2017, 2019.
SlideShare: www.slideshare.net/MohamedMaged8/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ArabPlanners
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Prof.Planner/
(related groups: Best Advice for Planners/ Cost/ Contract – Public groups)
3
5. Technical Paper
1) Topic Selection.
2) Drafting and Referencing.
3) Paper review and proofreading.
4) Application and paper submitting.
2020
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8. The purpose of the CCP technical paper is to evaluate the
candidate’s ability to communicate ideas, statements and
recommendations, or solutions in a logical and reasonable manner.
The technical paper is used as a gauge to measure the candidate’s
professional knowledge and how well they can articulate it.
It is not intended that the candidate write a thesis-quality paper or a
paper describing some unique and innovative approach to a work-
related situation; however, the technical paper should be well-
organized, coherent, and exemplify professional-level knowledge.
The technical paper is considered part of the CCP exam. Both the
paper and the multiple-choice portions of the exam must be passed
in order to receive certification.
The Purpose of the CCP Technical Paper
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9. The topic of the technical paper must pertain to some aspect of Cost
Engineering/Total Cost Management. Topics can include, but are not
limited to, quantity surveying, planning and scheduling, estimating,
cost controls, project management, claims consulting, engineering,
etc. The specific topic is at the discretion of the candidate. Certification
Headquarters Staff and Certification Board Members do not provide
topic suggestions or dictate or approve specific topic categories.
A common thought is that the technical paper must represent a
complex project, innovation, or research. However, history has shown
that candidates tend to write a successful technical paper when
selecting a topic in which they have a great deal of expertise or
experience.
It is helpful for candidates to ask themselves: “Do I have a specialty?”
“Have I worked on a project?” “Have I given a presentation?”
The Topic of the CCP Technical Paper
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10. The purpose of the abstract is to “draw in” the reader - make the
audience want to read the paper. Keep in mind, an abstract is different
from the introduction or problem statement. If a candidate were to decide
to submit the paper for publication at a later time, the abstract is usually
what is submitted. Make it good!
When composing the body of the paper, candidates should think about
what point they are trying to make. Start by asking: “What am I trying to
tell people, or make them understand?” or “What makes my work
different from everyone else’s?” or “What is the resolution?”
It is imperative and professional to make sure sentences, paragraphs,
and ideas transition well. When finished writing the paper, asking a
colleague to proofread has proven helpful.
One of the most important things to remember is this: Work MUST be
cited properly with references and a bibliography. AACE has contracted
with CheckForPlagiarism.net to provide plagiarism check services.
Tips on Writing the Technical Paper
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11. Technical paper graders must remain unbiased when evaluating technical
papers. Therefore, candidates should not use their name or any other
identifying information. The only identifying item to be used is the
candidate’s AACE ID number.
Once received, AACE has up to 45 days to process and submit a
technical paper for evaluation. Grading cycles are on or around the 15th
of each month.
Once papers have been graded, candidates will receive clearance to sit
for the exam. Candidates have up to six months to schedule and take the
exam from the original clearance date.
Candidates will have up to three attempts (two at a reduced fee) to take
the exam within the six-month registration period.
Technical papers are valid for three years from the date written. If
candidates use a previously presented or published paper, it must have
been presented or published within three years of exam registration.
Submitting the Technical Paper
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12. How long does my paper have to be? Your paper must be
at least 2,500 words and shouldn’t be more than 5,000.
May I use my thesis or dissertation for my submission?
You may, but the paper must not be more than 5,000 words
and must be formatted to fit the Technical Paper Template.
The technical paper doesn’t necessarily have to have
formulas, equations, or tables; however, if it can enhance the
presentation of an idea to the audience, including one or all
of them is beneficial. If inserting a table, formula, graph, etc.
that was created by someone else, it will need to be properly
cited and referenced.
FAQ
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13. 1- What should the
topic of my paper be?
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18. - The importance of benchmarking in estimating the cost of housing
projects.
- The impact of considering the maintenance cost in selecting
materials for industrial projects.
- Consequences of not evaluating the tender prices against a well-
prepared third-party estimate.
- Cost overrun due to not considering the losses in the estimation of
steel reinforcement.
- Improving labor productivity by assigning a qualified supervision staff.
- The risks of not allowing prolongation costs in EOT claims.
- Implications of make-or-buy decisions from the asset management
perspective.
Examples:
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19. Now, Select the Topic and
Find the References
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25. Page Number
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Using two number formats.
2500-5000 words (almost 7 to 15 pages excluding title page, table of
content & references).
27. Abstract
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The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of
your research so that readers know exactly what the paper is
about.
Write the abstract at the very end, when you've completed the rest
of the text.
In a separate page, an abstract summarizes, usually in one
paragraph, the major aspects of the entire paper.
28. Introduction
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The primary purpose of an introductory paragraph is to identify the
topic and purpose of the essay.
As a general rule of thumb, introductions should be about 10 per
cent of the total word count (so a 300 word introduction for a 3,000
word essay).
-Some say not to use the word “I” in an essay. Others say it is fine. If
you do use it, it is better to use it to a lesser extent (e.g. to avoid the
passive, you can say: this paper will discuss ….).
-Do not combine two words (Do and not ≠ Don’t).
-Use the critical writing phrases such as: However, while, although,
despite … etc.
29. Body
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Structure is everything: Your ideas may be fascinating but if your
structure is all wrong, the reader may miss the point of what you’re
saying entirely.
Keep your sentences simple where possible and make sure you’ve
made your idea clear without having to make your reader work too
hard. Use linking words wisely.
When you make your plan, try listing each point and decide how
many words you’re going to allow yourself to discuss it.
30. Flow from the general speaking to your specific topic:
- The importance of benchmarking in estimating the cost of housing
projects.
- The impact of considering the maintenance cost in selecting materials
for industrial projects (Project Lifecycle Costs).
- Consequences of not evaluating the tender prices against a well-
prepared third-party estimate.
- Cost overrun due to not considering the losses in the estimation of
steel reinforcement.
- Improving labor productivity by assigning a qualified supervision staff.
- The risks of not allowing prolongation costs in EOT claims.
- Implications of make-or-buy decisions from the asset management
perspective.
How to develop the structure
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31. Paragraphs
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Various educators teach rules governing the length
of paragraphs. They may say that a paragraph
should be 100 to 200 words long, or be no more
than five or six sentences. But a good paragraph
should not be measured in characters, words, or
sentences. The true measure of your paragraphs
should be idea.
Therefore, each heading or subheading will apply to
one or few multiple paragraphs.
32. In-text Citation - APA
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Two options for Books:
1- Maged (2019, p.15) demonstrated that: “blab bla bla”.
2- “blab bla bla” (Maged, 2019, p.15).
33. Paraphrasing
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Maged (2019) argued that … rewrite Maged’s blab bla bla in your words.
Why paraphrasing is required?
To prove that you understood what you read, not copying and pasting
from papers. Also, to get lower percentage of similarity in the plagiarism
check.
How to use your words:
- Summarize Maged’s ideas or elaborate them from your point of view.
- Use alternative words with the same meaning and restructure the
sentences.
34. APA in MS Word
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Only fill the following data:
35. Bibliography Example
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References to be sorted alphabetically (5-15 is OK):
- Author last name, initial of first name.
- (Year). book/ article title (inclined for books).
Publishing information:
- Book: (Edition). City: Publisher.
- Article: Journal, volume(issue), pages.
37. For More about APA Referencing
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1- https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples
2-
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin
g_and_style_guide/general_format.html
3- https://www.bibme.org/citation-guide/apa/
4- https://www.mendeley.com/guides/harvard-citation-guide
38. When to use references?
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Mainly in two cases:
- To confirm an idea you have or a solution that you have already
concluded (Similarly). “More Reading”
- To contrast and analyze ideas in order to get a conclusion (On the other
hand - while). “More Search”
39. Academic References
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Peer-reviewed journal articles, reputable books, or an official online
source (such as a government website). When relying on such
sources, it is important to carefully consider its accuracy and
trustworthiness.
Sites may help:
https://scholar.google.com/
https://www.jstor.org/
https://www.proquest.com/
40. Conclusion
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You may restate your problem statement in other words and summarize what
you've written for the reader.
It “wraps up” your essay. It demonstrates to the reader that you accomplished
what you set out to do.
You can usually do this in one paragraph.
41. Academic Writing Phrases
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Sites that may help:
http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
http://library-files.salford.ac.uk/elearning/directive-words/story_html5.html
http://www.uefap.com/
42. Abstract Page - APA
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Recommendations:
- Font: Time New Roman.
- Size: 12.
- Paragraphs double or 1.5
spacing.
- Paragraphs 0.5” first line
indentation.
- Centered bold titles size 14
(Heading 1).
- Bold left subtitles (Heading 2).
43. Drafting Tips
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Don’t Panic
You should not panic or stress because this can severely
hamper your productivity. Stressing can seriously block
your mind and you might just end up exerting yourself even
more and end up with the less satisfactory output.
First things first
Relax, take a few deep breaths, and after taking little time
to think about what you are going to write, start writing.
45. 3- Paper review and
Proofreading
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46. Abstract
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In a separate page, an abstract summarizes, usually in one paragraph of 150-300
words, the major aspects of the entire paper in a prescribed sequence that includes: 1)
the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) you investigated; 2) the
basic design of the study; 3) major findings or trends found as a result of your analysis;
and, 4) a brief summary of your interpretations and conclusions.
The following steps describe how to write a great abstract:
- Write the paper first.
- Provide introductory background information that leads into a statement of your aim.
- Briefly describe your methodology.
- Clearly describe the most important findings of your study.
The abstract SHOULD NOT contain:
- Acronyms or abbreviations,
- References to other literature [say something like, "current
research shows that..." or "studies have indicated..."],
- Jargon or terms that may be confusing to the reader,
- Citations to other works, and
- Any sort of image, figure, or table, or references to them.
47. Typos
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Check spelling and grammar:
Ms Word and Grammarly (https://app.grammarly.com/)
may help but don’t rely on them totally.
Don’t use a mix of tenses (past, present & future) unless
it’s really needed.
Avoid using passive voice as much as possible.
48. Proofreading
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Also, check the following:
- The ideas flow smoothly/naturally with proper transition
throughout the paper.
- The sentences are not too lengthy.
- Each paragraph handles only one main complete idea.
- No overuse or heavy repetition of same words or phrases.
Change some of them by alternatives as possible (use Ms Word
or Google).
49. Paragraphs & Headings
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A paragraph is normally 100 to 200 words long, and it should be
one idea.
Check do you need to add or remove any of headings or
subheadings.
Don’t overuse the linking words or repeat the same word many
times.
50. Word count
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Use Only one font all over the paper and almost one or two sizes.
The word count does not include the title page, content, and
references.
If you are running out of words: Add more ideas or elaborate some
of the discussed ideas (e.g. extend the general point of view in the
beginning paragraphs, compare with extra similar aspects or
concepts, or dig deeper in your analysis). You can find this by
searching, critical thinking and focusing.
On the other hand, if you exceeded the limit, eliminate the less
related ideas and summarize the lengthy paragraphs as possible.
51. Read it one time again
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-Proofread for one type of error at a time.
-Know your own typical mistakes (find and fix).
-Try to make a break between writing and proofreading.
-Proofread at the time of day when you are most alert to spotting errors.
-Proofread once aloud.
Remember that editing isn’t just about errors. You want to
polish your sentences at this point, making them smooth,
interesting, and clear. Watch for very long sentences,
since they may be less clear than shorter, more direct
sentences. Pay attention to the rhythm of your writing; try
to use sentences of varying lengths and patterns. Look for
unnecessary phrases, repetition, and awkward spots.
52. Now, You Are READY
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62. Payment – Check out
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[Members - US$ 500, Non-Members - US$ 625] ,
AACE membership [optional] [US$ 215/year]
Cost & Payment
• Do I have to be a member to take a certification exam?
No.You are not required to be an AACE member to sit for an AACE certification exam. However,
there are many benefits to AACE membership such as discounted certification exam fees,
discounted recertification fees, discounted study materials, free Recommended
Practices downloads, freeTCM Framework download, and much more.
63. Schedule your exam
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I paid. What do I do next?
Once your payment has been processed, you will receive another clearance email with
instructions to schedule your exam.
Rescheduling shall be deemed any change made greater than exactly 72 hours before the
originally scheduled exam and does not incur a fee.
Will I receive a refund for a cancelled exam?
AACE has a strict no-refund policy.There are no refunds given.
64. Resit fees
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It is past my six-month registration period. Can I resit?
Once you are past your registration expiration, you may take the exam again, but you
are no longer eligible for the reduced fee.You will be required to begin a new
registration and pay full exam fees.
65. Congrats! Order a Printed Copy
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