Let’s explore the purpose and use of estimates in the management of software development efforts, and consider possible alternatives.

We say we depend on estimates to make important decisions, and yet we’re often disappointed by the results.

Why are we so challenged at using estimates? Are estimates for cost, time, or effort always needed? Is it possible there are other ways to approach our work? If we didn’t use estimates, could we be successful at building software?

The default use of an “estimate-driven” approach is pervasive in software development efforts, and while estimates can be useful for some things, it is worthwhile to scrutinize our use of estimates for cost, time, and effort, and to seek better ways to manage software development projects.

There are a number of things to explore and many questions to ask. For example, do we really need estimates for all the things we are currently using them? Are we getting a reasonable benefit from them? Is it possible to manage software development projects without these estimates, or at least with fewer estimates? Is there a way to prove that estimates are helping us make good decisions?

If you want to learn more about Beyond Estimates and see Woody live on stage, join his talk at the Agile meets Architecture conference early April in Berlin. We have a special discount code for our viewers for 10% off: AMASAIS10 .

Links

• Agile Meets Architecture Conference use code AMASAIS10 for 10% off

• Remote Mob Programming mit Jochen Christ, Franziska Dessart, Simon Harrer, Martin Huber

• Daniel Kahneman: Thinking, Fast and Slow

• Daniel Kahneman: Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment

• Illustrator Andrea Zuill

• Lean Software Development

• Are We Engineers? With Hillel Wayne