Estimation & Project Planning
Getting better at estimation
and project planning
estimation is critical
requires adequate time
present estimates
to stakeholders effectively
leverage estimates
alignment
business objectives
technical estimates
more informed business decision making
reliable project delivery dates
improved communication
management
project team
satisfied customers
controlled project costs
Top Tips for Estimation
integrate estimation into
overall development process
design estimation procedure
to fit your culture
mine historical information to
tune your estimation capability
apply specific estimation techniques
adjust project scope to
available budget and resources
apply rigor to create sound estimates
don't rely on instinct
practical project planning
Practical Project Planning
critical path/scheduling
work breakdown structure
resource leveling and relationships
dependencies and assumptions
Good Software Estimation
beyond tools, techniques, processes
right attitude
understanding
mutual expectations
software developers
senior management
Estimation challenges
forecast productivity, quality
control costs, meet delivery dates
instill trust with management and peer-groups
General Characteristics
useful for good decisions throughout a project's lifecycle
source of critical information for the
IT departament, CIOs, project managers, VP's, etc.
over 66% of projects aren't delivered
on time, budget or expected quality.
Estimation Insights
accurate estimates helps deliver
software your business needs
decisions on spending resources
and money need good estimates
fuzzy estimates
fuzzy project plans
Underestimating a Project
under staffing
under scoping the quality assurance effort
setting the schedule too short
impacts
staff productivity
product quality
customer relationships
overall credibility
Overestimating a Project
allocating appropriate resources to
future projects can become an issue
scheduling bottle necks
planning difficulties