Improve estimation process
- Katsiaryna_Subach
- Aleksandr Bogush
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In case of relative estimationĀ technique used
UponĀ introduction of story points, as a starting point agree on ideal story as the one which takesĀ halfĀ of the day for development, andĀ half of the day for testing
Introduce estimation techniques guide with reference story which can be used to measure other relative stories
Make sure that level of complexity is common for the entire team including different streams
Monitor and control estimation accuracy on the project, establish corresponding metrics to check deviations between original and actual time. In case of over or underestimation undertake proper corrective and preventive steps.
Use planning poker while giving relative estimation
Monitor and control that each team gives opinion on story complexity evenĀ if there is no task for his/her stream in terms of this scope, in particular
Revisit reference story once team size changes, tech stack is updated or when team becomes more familiar with technology or/and product
Include into estimation all the activities required to deliver a product (not limited to development and testing).Ā
Calculate focus-factor to find out real time for the productive activitiesĀ to plan sprints and tune velocityĀ
Every estimated task should go with the delivery cadence and should be closed during 1 sprint, if no - decompose it!
In case of too many uncertainties with estimation, create time-boxed Spikes to make a research firstĀ
Choose proper estimation technique based on historical data available, experts availability, scope known, team assigned, level of accuracy required, etc
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Please remember
Expending more time and effort to arrive at an estimate does not necessarily increase the accuracy of the estimate. The amount of effort put into an estimate should be determined by the purpose of that estimate. Although it is well known that the best estimates are given by those who will do the work, on an agile team we do not know in advance who will do the work. Therefore, estimating should be a collaborative activity for the team.
Useful materials
How to do effective project estimation during Pre-Sales