The Estimation Process: Phases and Roles
2015
This chapter presents an overview of the phases of an estimation process and explains the differences between a productivity model and its use in an estimation process. It introduces two generic approaches to estimation, such as judgment and engineering. The chapter describes some common practices and expectations involved in estimating software projects. Estimating future software projects is often carried out in such a context, when the information is incomplete, contains a number of unknowns, and is associated with a number of risks. The chapter discusses the levels of uncertainty in an estimation process, and presents the key concepts of a productivity model. It explains the use of a productivity model in an estimation process. The technical part of the estimation process generally leads to a number of scenarios, probabilities, and estimates. Finally, the chapter explains the differences between budgeting and pricing.