Software Estimation Much More Complicated Than Some Perceive

How many times have we been asked to submit a 5 minute or off the cuff estimate to stakeholders… Then be held to that estimate even though we missed the complexity in our haste.. Of course if we didn’t prepare an estimate until everything was known the estimate would be of little value.  That is why uncertainty must be part of the process and off the cuff, manual estimations should be avoided when possible.

I thought these diagrams showing the perceived simplicity of the software estimation process versus complexities in the software cost estimation process were very interesting.

Perceived (Classical) Source: Vigder/Kark

More Real World Cost Estimation Process: Source Vigder/Kark

Related posts:

1. Ten-step Project Estimation Process
2. 10 Deadly Sins of Software Estimation
3. Estimating Web Effort / Schedule
4. Step Ten: Track Project throughout Development
5. Step Nine: Document Estimate and Lessons Learned

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