Software estimation : demystifying the black art

Abstract

Part I: Critical estimation concepts -- 1: What is an "estimate"? -- 2: How good an estimator are you? -- 3: Value of accurate estimates -- 4: Where does estimation error come from? -- 5: Estimate influences -- Part II: Fundamental estimation techniques -- 6: Introduction to estimation techniques -- 7: Count, compute, judge -- 8: Calibration and historical data -- 9: Individual expert judgment -- 10: Decomposition and recomposition -- 11: Estimation by analogy -- 12: Proxy-based estimates -- 13: Expert judgment in groups -- 14: Software estimation tools -- 15: Use of multiple approaches -- 16: Flow of software estimates on a well-estimated project -- 17: Standardized estimation procedures -- Part III: Specific estimation challenges -- 18: Special issues in estimating size -- 19: Special issues in estimating effort -- 20: Special issues in estimating schedule -- 21: Estimating planning parameters -- 22: Estimate presentation styles -- 23: Politics, negotiation, and problem solving -- Appendix A: Estimate sanity check -- Appendix B: answers to Chapter 2 -- Appendix C: Software estimation tips.