Frequently Asked Questions

What is this course about? Organisations that purchase and develop software systems have a valid need to know the cost of such projects, before they are developed, to decide if they are worth developing. More often than not, there is a need to estimate the cost and time of these projects very early in the process, when data is incomplete, fragmented, not organised, and possibly non-existent. By increasing estimation awareness, implementing processes, and using key techniques to estimate software projects, organisations that purchase and develop software can reduce the risks of increased development costs, late delivery, and missed features and functionality. This course uses a reality-based style of learning that includes immersion in an authentic estimation process of a software project. Working in teams throughout the course, you gain authentic experience in all aspects of estimating a software project. Who will benefit from this course? This course if valuable for anyone who works on software projects, from individual developers to project managers who need to create estimates or establish an estimation process in their organisation. Typical job titles include: Software Project Team Leaders, Software Project Managers, Proposal Managers, Software Requirements Developers, Analysts, Software Developers, Software Designers, Software Testers and Software Product and Services Purchasers. What background do I need? No previous experience in developing effective software estimation techniques is required. How does this course differ from Course 340? Course 340, Project Management for Software Development, is dedicated to managing an entire software development project. Estimating is one of many parts of the planning process. In Course 340, estimation is introduced and covered at a high level in one chapter. That level of coverage is appropriate for project managers who are involved with small projects or who, when involved with medium to large projects, draw on the expertise of estimators. In this course, in-depth coverage of the estimation process, including the details of all techniques used, is provided. Course 930 is dedicated to the estimation of software projects and all three days of the course are spent on this subject. After attending this course, one can, as a manager or as an estimator whose expertise is called for by another manager, estimate a small to large software project. How is this course structured? This course is structured around a dynamic style of learning created by Learning Tree called RealityPlusTM - an immersive experience that engages you in authentic tasks within a simulated real-world context. Through media-rich case studies, role playing, and video/computer-based activities, you are immersed throughout the course in an evolving scenario where the decisions you make affect the outcome of the simulation. The RealityPlus learning method is presented in a safe environment where you gain new skills and practice the most effective techniques to bring back to your job. At the end of your course, you are prepared to immediately and successfully apply these new skills within your organisation! I am currently working on a small/large/agile software development project. Is this course right for me? Yes, the techniques covered in this course are applicable to all software projects, small to large, and to all software development methodologies, life cycles and environments. How much time is spent on each topic? Content Hours The Art of Software Estimation 3.0 Delivering Expert Judgment Estimates 3.0 Calibrating Estimates with Historical Data 2.5 Fine Tuning with Component Methods 3.0 Estimating Projects with Function Points 2.5 Developing Effective Time, Schedule and Cost Estimates 3.0 Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class. What type of exercises will I do in the course? Extensive hands-on and small-group, interactive activities include: Generating questions that clarify the scope of the project Interviewing consulting experts using video simulation Producing an estimate based on expert judgment Gathering historical data from a meeting with the manager of a previous, similar project Improving your estimate based on historical data Analyzing the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Interviewing virtual team members to gather estimates for specific activities using single-point and PERT techniques Developing estimates using Function Points Estimating the effort and producing a schedule, time and cost estimate Leading a management briefing to present your results Is this course applicable to a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification? Yes. Although this course is not designed as preparation for the exam, it is beneficial to anyone working toward PMI's PMP certification. For those who are currently certified, completion of this course counts as 17 professional development units (60 units must be completed every three years to maintain certification). For more details, please see the Learning Tree PMI Registered Education Provider Q&A. If you are an experienced project manager intending to take the PMP exam, you should take Course 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam. In this course you learn essential PMBOK® Guide terminology, tools and techniques. You gain practical test-taking experience through PMI-style practice exams and create your own personal study plan for continued use after the course. How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses? Those interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in the software/systems design and/or project management fields should consider: 340, Project Management for Software Development  211, Introduction to Business Analysis: Defining Successful Projects  218, User and System Requirements for Successful Software Development  296, Project Management: Skills for Success  312, Software Quality Assurance: Delivering Consistent Quality  287, Strategic Project Management: Achieving Organisational Goals  286, Project Risk Management

RealityPlus is a trademark of Learning Tree International.