Chapter 4Measurement and Estimation
Measurement provides the foundation for estimation. Chapter 3, “A Basic Estimating Process: The Linear Method,” explained how to estimate amounts of resources using size and production coefficients, but avoided precise definitions of the quantities. In estimation, sloppy definitions can kill you! The devil is in the details. This chapter covers the essentials of measurement to keep you out of trouble. This chapter defines “good” measurements and describes the process to collect valid data. It also provides simple forms and spreadsheets that you can use to begin collecting data. (Chapter 16, “Collecting Data: Basics,” covers data collection and provides improved forms.)
Section 4.1 discusses reasons to measure. ...
Get Estimating Software-Intensive Systems: Projects, Products, and Processes now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
