Which of the following should not be included as a project cost?

The company secretary's costs should not be included as a project cost because this position typically relates to administrative tasks rather than direct project activities. Project costs generally encompass direct expenses that are attributable to the execution of a specific project, such as materials, supplies, equipment rental, and direct labor. These elements are essential for actual construction or project completion and are directly linked to the project’s production output.

In contrast, the company secretary operates in a support or administrative capacity, helping with tasks like documentation, HR, or corporate governance rather than engaging in project work itself. While their role is important to the overall functioning of the business, their costs do not fluctuate directly with specific project requirements and are often considered overhead rather than a direct project expense. Thus, when calculating project costs, the focus is on those expenses that directly influence the project's scope and delivery, making the costs associated with the company secretary less relevant in this context.