Project Estimation Technique - Software Process

Discussion

• Nirja Shah   -Posted on 29 Oct 15
  - Estimation of various project parameters is a basic project planning activity.
  
  - There are three broad categories of estimation techniques:
  
  Empirical Estimation Techniques
  - It is based on making an educated guess of the project parameters.
  - While using this technique, prior experience with development of similar products is helpful.
  - Although empirical estimation techniques are based on common sense, different activities involved in estimation have been formalized over the years.
  - Two popular empirical estimation techniques are: Expert judgement technique and Delphi cost estimation.
  
  Heuristic technique
  - It assumes that the relationships among the different project parameters can be modeled using suitable mathematical expressions.
  - Once the basic parameters are known, the other parameters can be easily determined by substituting the value of the basic parameters in the mathematical expression.
  - Different heuristic models can be divided into two classes : single variable model and the multi variable model.
  
  Analytical Estimation technique
  - It derives the required results starting with basic assumptions regarding the project.
  - Thus, unlike empirical and heuristic techniques, analytical techniques do have scientific basis,
  - Halstead's software science is an example of an analytical technique.
  - It can be used to derive some interesting results starting with a few simple assumptions.
  - It is especially useful for estimating software maintenance efforts.
  - In fact, it outperforms both empirical and heuristic techniques when used for predicting software maintenance efforts.

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