Chapter 4


Tip #11 

Consider the effect of the Cone of Uncertainty on the accuracy of your estimate. Your estimate cannot have more accuracy than is possible at your project's current position within the Cone.

Tip #12 

Don't assume that the Cone of Uncertainty will narrow itself. You must force the Cone to narrow by removing sources of variability from your project.

Tip #13 

Account for the Cone of Uncertainty by using predefined uncertainty ranges in your estimates.

Tip #14 

Account for the Cone of Uncertainty by having one person create the "how much" part of the estimate and a different person create the "how uncertain" part of the estimate.

Tip #15 

Don't expect better estimation practices alone to provide more accurate estimates for chaotic projects. You can't accurately estimate an out-of-control process.

Tip #16 

To deal with unstable requirements, consider project control strategies instead of or in addition to estimation strategies.

Tip #17 

Include time in your estimates for stated requirements, implied requirements, and nonfunctional requirements—that is, all requirements. Nothing can be built for free, and your estimates shouldn't imply that it can.

Tip #18 

Include all necessary software-development activities in your estimates, not just coding and testing.

Tip #19 

On projects that last longer than a few weeks, include allowances for overhead activities such as vacations, sick days, training days, and company meetings.

Tip #20 

Don't reduce developer estimates—they're probably too optimistic already.

Tip #21 

Avoid having "control knobs" on your estimates. While control knobs might give you a feeling of better accuracy, they usually introduce subjectivity and degrade actual accuracy.

Tip #22 

Don't give off-the-cuff estimates. Even a 15-minute estimate will be more accurate.

Tip #23 

Match the number of significant digits in your estimate (its precision) to your estimate's accuracy.




Software Estimation. Demystifying the Black Art
Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art (Best Practices (Microsoft))
ISBN: 0735605351
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 212

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net