Usage Guidance |
This activity typically occurs at the beginning of each iteration.
Estimation should ideally be based in the organization's own experience, which is then used to calibrate an estimation
model, such as COCOMO. If the Project Manager is starting from scratch, using default values for model coefficients, it
will be important to use other methods to validate the estimates. Just as important is to obtain staff and other
stakeholder agreement that the estimates are realistic and achievable. However, the Project Manager has to take into
account the experience of staff giving feedback about estimates. More junior staff may be just guessing numbers and
then adding large margins for error; conversely, their effort estimates may be naively low. The Project Manager must be
circumspect when dealing with estimates from junior staff, and be prepared to counsel them when necessary, and offer
the assistance of a more experienced peer. See Task: Plan Project for more information about estimation.
All plans should be evaluated through internal walkthroughs and
reviews before the project planning review occurs.
|