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