Demystify software estimation to achieve better control over your project and meet your project goals

The primary purpose of software estimation is not to predict a project's outcome, but to determine whether a project's targets are realistic enough to allow the project to be controlled to meet them. Problems arise when the gap between the business targets and the schedule and effort needed to achieve those targets becomes to large. Estimates don't need to be perfectly accurate as much as they need to be useful. When we have the combination of accurate estimates, good target setting, and good planning and control, we can end up with project results that are close to the estimates. In this sample chapter from Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art, learn what qualifies as a good estimate.

Title: Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art
ISBN: 0-7356-0535-1
Published: February 2006
Authors: Steve McConnell
Chapter: Chapter 1: What is an Estimate?
Published by Microsoft Press