Project Cost Types

Start with cost types

The mind maps introduce variable, fixed, direct and indirect costs. Start with a map that shows all four categories, then follow its branches and examples. The maps describe variable costs as changing with the amount of production or work. Examples include materials, supplies and wages.

Other examples across the maps include rents, utilities, travel and cleaning services. Use these examples to examine how the maps present different costs. The maps do not all have the same layout, so comparing their branches can give you another way to organize the categories.

Move on to cost headings

After looking at the categories, try the flashcards titled Project Management Cost Headings. They ask about headings including preliminary costs, prime costs, provisional costs and daywork costs. Read a question and form an answer before checking the card. Return to a mind map when you want to look at cost categories alongside those headings.

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page. The flashcards offer a question-and-answer format to use with the maps instead.

Explore related material

Some maps include material beyond the four cost categories. One also covers the cost management plan, scope baseline, project schedule, human resource management plan and risk register. Another includes benefit cost ratio, while a separate map lists depreciation, lifecycle costing and opportunity cost.

These resources sit within the Project Cost Management unit in Business administration and management (incl. project management). Use the broader maps after the introductory cost-type maps to see how their branches connect cost categories with the other material shown.

Choose a mind map and pair it with the cost headings flashcards as you study.