10 Deadly Sins of Software Estimation

Steve McConnell, author, pioneer in the Rapid Development movement, and founder of Construx, a software consulting firm, has done it again.

His latest book, Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art, is aptly titled. Poor estimation (whether due to oversight or pressure from management) is one of the leading causes of project failure. McConnell has created a comprehensive, but easy to understand, software estimation "bible."

Of particular note is his "Cone of Uncertainty" diagram, which illustrates in a simple graphic the importance of catching defects proactively, and planning and analyzing risk continuously throughout a project (something I've always touted, and suggest in my own book).

Below is his insightful (and right on the money) presentation on the "10 Deadly Sins of Software Estimation" (in PDF format) ...

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