Test Estimation: Are Realistic Estimates Possible?

The statistics show alarming trends regarding software development project schedules.

Average project exceeds budget by 90% and schedule by 120%
33% of all projects are over budget and late
52.7% of projects will cost 189% of the original estimates
16% will be completed on time
Average overrun is 222% of original estimate
In large companies, only 9% of projects come in on time, on budget

Are the statistics reflective of our inability to successfully estimate software development projects? Many testers have difficulty in estimating the test portion of a project. When confronted with the question” How long will it take” or “Why do you need all of that time?” They are often unable to provide a supportable response. Providing more reliable estimates and more importantly being able to backup why your estimate is what it is a skill needed by all testing professionals from managers to testers. . This presentation reviews basis estimation strategies and techniques and provides a detailed review of two approaches to estimating the testing phase of a project.

Utilize benchmarks as an estimation tool
Utilize estimation model
Understand when to use particular estimation approach

Test estimation
Test estimation techniques
Test estimation approaches

Clyneice holds certifications from American Society for Quality as a Certified Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Institute's Certified Quality Analyst, and Project Management Institute's Professional Project Manager.

Focusing on process improvement and procedure development in the software testing and quality assurance areas, Clyneice has successfully lead process improvement, methodology development, and reengineering projects for organizations wishing to improve their software development, testing processes, and tool implementation. She serves as an examiner for Virginia 's State Quality Award.

Clyneice is currently an instructor for the International Institute for Software Testing and has presented technical papers at the Software Engineering Institute: SEPG Conference, American Society for Quality: Quality Manager's conference, Quality Assurance Institute International Testing conference and STAR East Testing and the Quality Assurance Institute conference.