How to Estimate Early in a Project

1. Software Cost Estimating Introduction

Estimating Software Projects
How Do You Estimate?
The What, Why, Who and When Of Estimating
Good Estimates Based on Experience
The Early Estimate Challenge
The Twenty Most Important Questions to Ask Before Estimating
When Do You Estimate? Different Methods Are Used at Different Times

2. Early Project Estimating Techniques

Types of Product Point Estimating
Application Points
Object Points
Story Points
The Importance of The Customer In Early Estimating
Defining Estimating Drivers
Perfect vs. Real Days
Effort vs. Duration
Precision vs. Size
An Iterative Approach to Refining The Estimate
Iteration Planning
Release Planning
Measuring Accuracy and Adjusting
Product Points and Commercial Software

3. Summary

Summarizing Estimates
Management Issues of Better Estimating
Summary: A Final Assignment

4. Appendices

Case Study Support Instructions
Quest Estimating Kit
Requirements Specifications Sample Set

1 day

Business Analysts
Internal estimating consultants
Project Leaders
Project Managers
Project members from the business
Project Office
Subject Matter Experts
System Analysts
Anyone interested in reasonably trustworthy early project estimates.
User liaison personnel