Estimating Software Projects

    

Summary:
This course provides a through introduction to the techniques of software estimation. The course consists of three parts. Part 1 provides an overview of software techniques and methodologies. Part 2 covers the various estimation techniques that are widely used with a focus on understanding the techniques and how to apply them, the goal of part 2 is to develop competency with estimating skills. Part 3 is focused on the project dynamics and the team / organization aspects of estimation in practices that provides students to develop skills to navigate politics and negotiate estimates for projects.

Duration:
3 Days/Lecture & Lab

Audience:
This course is designed for IT professionals with an understanding of the software development process who wish to develop their estimation and planning skills.

Topics:

• Estimation vs. Planning
• Sources of estimation errors
• Fundamental estimation techniques
• Counting vs. judging
• Calibrating historical data
• Relative size estimating techniques
• Proxy based estimates
• Group based expert judgments
• Applying multiple approaches
• Estimating size, effort, and schedules
• Presetting estimates to stake holders
• Skillful negotiation and communications
• Getting beyond politics

Prerequisites:
Students should be able to understand the various roles involved in software development projects.

Last Update: September 7, 2010