You're about to start a new project with tight deadlines. How can you estimate the time accurately?
Starting a new project with tight deadlines can be daunting, but estimating time accurately is crucial. Here are some strategies to help:
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide the project into manageable tasks and estimate the time for each.
- Use past data: Refer to similar past projects to gauge how long tasks may take.
- Consult your team: Gather input from team members to get a more accurate estimate.
What techniques do you use for time estimation in projects? Share your thoughts.
You're about to start a new project with tight deadlines. How can you estimate the time accurately?
Starting a new project with tight deadlines can be daunting, but estimating time accurately is crucial. Here are some strategies to help:
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide the project into manageable tasks and estimate the time for each.
- Use past data: Refer to similar past projects to gauge how long tasks may take.
- Consult your team: Gather input from team members to get a more accurate estimate.
What techniques do you use for time estimation in projects? Share your thoughts.
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Breaking tasks into smaller steps? ✅ Using past data? ✅ Consulting your team? ✅ But don’t stop there, add buffers for the unknown unknowns and validate estimates with real execution data. Also, challenge optimism bias; everything takes longer than you think. Tight deadlines demand brutal prioritization. What must get done vs. what’s just nice? Focus there.
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My thoughts: • Understand the problem and likely tech stack. • Identify dependencies and constraints (software, hardware, third-party systems). • Clearly state assumptions. • Assess skill levels in your organization and potential learning curves. • Define the minimum scope for customer use. • Estimate complexity using T-shirt sizing and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). • Use PERT for WBS estimation. • Revisit estimates frequently as clarity improves and assumptions/dependencies/constraints are addressed. There could be many more, these I feel are good ones to start working on your estimates.
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To estimate time accurately for a new project with tight deadlines, begin by breaking the project into smaller tasks. 🛠️ Each task should be clearly defined with specific deliverables. Engage your team to gather input on how long each task might take, using their expertise for a more realistic overview. 🧑🤝🧑 Next, consider using historical data from similar projects as a guide. 📊 Add a buffer for unexpected issues, typically 10-20%, to ensure flexibility. 🕒 Consistently review and adjust your estimates as the project progresses to stay on track. This approach promotes transparency and effective time management! ⏳✨
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It depends a lot on the type and phase of the project but for software projects what we discovered to work best is to always start with a discovery phase. This way we are certain that we fully understand the need, scope and users. After the discovery phase we continue with a prototype + architecture phase. Usually these 2 phases are time boxes and after them we have a very clear understanding of the time & cost for the rest of the project. Although this is an example in software development, these principles would apply for other types of projects also.
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1.Intensive Planning during the initial phase of project and executing adhering to the plan. 2.The plan should be realistic and do-able. 3.Time and cost buffers should be considered. 4.Try to include all the risks during the planning phase. 5.Expert brain-storming during the planning phase and incorporating the risks in the plan. 6.Revising the plan regularly and fast tracking if required.