Estimating Resource-Constrained Projects

Project managers have considerable difficulty accurately estimating effort and duration for all types of projects. Systems projects have an additional complication-resource constraints--which common estimating techniques often fail to deal with appropriately. Unlike construction projects on which many of the techniques are based, systems project tasks seldom can be performed by just anybody. Resource levels alone are not sufficient to guide such projects. Instead, these tasks are dependent upon particular individuals with specialized skills. Just as an average-sized suit fits only a few people well, project estimates can miss the mark by a wide margin when they fail to take into account these often-large differences among resources. This interactive workshop identifies critical factors for successful estimation, especially resource constraints, and shows how to address them in making more accurate effort and schedule estimates. Exercises enhance learning by allowing participants to practice applying practical techniques to commonly-occurring examples.