M

magnitude of relative error (MRE), 110

Magnitude of Relative Error (MRE) Formula (Equation #3), 110

management effort, 235

management (executive), attributes of, 259–260

median outcome, 8, 59. See also diseconomies of scale

medium-size projects, 78. See also project size

memory-based estimation. See off-the-cuff estimates

methods of estimation, 77–81

by analogy, 127–133

basic approach, 127–132

effort estimates, 209–210

estimating project size with, 205

estimating schedule, 223–224

obtaining detailed information, 128

size comparisons, 129

uncertainty with, 128

applicability tables, explained, 81

computation, 83–84

converting counts to estimates, 86–88

stage-gate processes, 187

counting, 84–86

computing estimates with, 86–88

function points, 200

stage-gate processes, 187

Delphi technique, 150–155

how to choose, 77–80

judgment. See expert judgment; off-the-cuff estimates

multiple approaches, using, 165–169

for effort, 218

for project size, 206

ranges, presenting, 256

for schedules, 231–232

stage-gate processes, 187

proxy-based, 135–147

fuzzy logic, 136–138, 205

standard components approach, 138–141

story points, 142–144, 205

t-shirt sizing, 145–146

software. See estimation software

micro-estimation. See decomposition

middle development stage, 80

counting at, 85

midpoint of best- and worst-case estimates, 108

midpoints of ranges, 256

milestones, missed. See flow of estimates

minus qualifiers, 251

missed milestones. See flow of estimates

missing requirements, 44–46, 110

avoiding with work breakdown structures. See WBS

mistakes in estimation. See accuracy of estimates; accuracy of estimation method

Modified Complex Standard Deviation Formula (Equation #6), 124

module buildup. See decomposition

Monte Carlo simulation, 158

most-likely-case estimate, 108–109, 120

MRE (magnitude of relative error), 110

multiple-company effort factors, 247

multiple estimation approaches, 165–169

for effort, 218

for project size, 206

ranges, presenting, 256

for schedules, 231–232

stage-gate processes, 187

mutual gain, options for, 266