Applicability of Techniques in This Chapter | ||
---|---|---|
Changing to More Accurate Estimation Techniques Later in the Project | Estimate Refinement Based on Project-Specific Data | |
What's estimated | Size, Effort, Schedule, Features | Size, Effort, Schedule, Features |
Size of project | - M L | S M L |
Development stage | Early-Late | Early-Late |
Iterative or sequential | Sequential | Both |
Accuracy possible | High | High |
On poorly estimated projects, estimation focuses on directly estimating cost, effort, and schedule, with little or no focus on estimating the size of the software that will be built. Projects are reestimated many times, but usually in response to schedule slippages late in the project.
In a well-estimated project, the focus of estimation and the points at which the project is reestimated are different. This chapter describes the estimation flow of a well-estimated project. Chapter 17, "Standardized Estimation Procedures," describes how to create a standardized estimation approach that includes this healthy estimation flow.