Engineering project management hinges on more than just technical prowess; it demands a keen understanding of financial realities. It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about making those numbers work for you, not against you, throughout the project lifecycle. First off, get granular. Don't just slap a big number on the project. Break it down – labor, materials, equipment, those pesky contingencies. Every little bit counts. This is where you really see where the money's going in your engineering project management practices. Then, be realistic. We've all seen those rosy estimates that fall apart the minute things get rolling. Factor in the unknowns. Things will go sideways; that's just how engineering projects roll. Build in a buffer, a little wiggle room, so you're not scrambling when the inevitable happens within your engineering project management plan. Keep your eye on the ball. Track everything. Don't just set a budget and forget it. Regular ...