Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 3:16 PM | No Comments »
Category: Function Points, Measurement, Metrics, Project Management, Software, estimating software, risk management, software development, software engineering
Better software estimating
Being able to estimate software development more efficiently and effectively is both possible and practical. The following key points will guide you to a successful outcome.
• We need to recognize estimating as a problem and a potentially costly problem at that. Not until we fully understand that improper estimating is a potential barrier will we be able to consistently and successfully deliver software.
• The way we think about estimating should be reframed in the context of managing expectations based upon the best information available at the time. Estimating is not a crystal ball used to predict the future.
• We can no longer afford to compromise on what we need regarding the input components that make up a successful estimating model. It will require some investment of time and resources but the payback will be well worth the investment.
• And above all, don’t overly complicate your estimating model. Adopt practices such as FP Lite to generate size information that is statistically accurate enough for the job of early estimating. Collect the baseline data you need and compute your own internal delivery rates of performance.
