economist

Estimate project costs and identify key cost drivers without detailed quotes.

6|Updated Feb 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dangeles/claude --skill economist
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: economist
Source: https://github.com/dangeles/claude/tree/main/claude-config/skills/economist
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dangeles/claude --skill economist

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams estimate project costs and assess financial viability without requiring detailed quotes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cost estimation: Provide rough order-of-magnitude ranges for equipment, labor, and materials.
  • Cost-driver identification: Highlight the main drivers of total cost and where optimization yields the most savings.
  • Decision support: Compare alternatives for ROI and feasibility to inform procurement and planning.

Quick Start

Command the system to generate an order-of-magnitude cost analysis for a proposed experiment or project, highlighting key cost drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions about economist

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I estimate project costs without detailed vendor quotes?

You can estimate project costs by generating an order-of-magnitude cost analysis that provides rough ranges for equipment, labor, and materials to assess financial viability early.

What is a rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate used for?

A rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate is used for early-stage R&D, procurement planning, and budgeting scenarios to compare alternatives for ROI and identify major cost drivers.

How do I identify key cost drivers for procurement planning?

Identify key cost drivers for procurement planning by analyzing rough cost estimates to highlight main total cost components and flag areas where optimization yields the most savings.

Can I compare alternatives for ROI and feasibility using early-stage cost estimates?

Yes, you can compare alternatives for ROI and feasibility using early-stage cost estimates to inform procurement and planning decisions without requiring detailed quotes.

When should I not use rough cost ranges for budgeting?

You should not use rough cost ranges for budgeting when detailed costing is required, though this analysis will explicitly flag those specific areas needing further detailed costing.