Software estimation is a critical skill for project managers, developers, and business analysts, as it helps forecast the time, effort, and resources required to complete a software project successfully. This course covers key estimation methodologies such as Wideband Delphi, Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Use Case Point Analysis (UCP), the Cocomo Model, and Function Point Analysis (FPA). By delving into the complexities of estimating software projects, students will acquire the knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance project planning, budgeting, and overall management.

Section 1: Introduction

In this section, students will be introduced to the core concepts of software estimation, providing the foundational knowledge needed for the rest of the course. The first lecture explores the importance of software estimation, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of project challenges and lifecycle planning.

Section 2: Basic Concepts on Software Estimation

Students will learn about the various estimation approaches used in software development. This section covers key topics like the roles involved in estimation, different estimation techniques, tools for estimation, and the widely used Wideband Delphi estimation method, enabling students to select the most appropriate technique for their projects.

Section 3: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a vital part of project management. In this section, learners will explore how WBS helps decompose a project into smaller, manageable parts. The lectures will walk through WBS concepts, examples, and different types, helping students learn how to structure their projects effectively for better estimation and planning.

Section 4: Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

This section introduces PERT, a powerful method used to estimate the time required to complete each task in a project. With a series of lectures that explain the process in depth, students will understand how PERT helps in managing uncertainty in project schedules, analyzing task dependencies, and producing realistic project timelines.

Section 5: Use Case Point Analysis (UCP)

In this section, students will dive into Use Case Point Analysis (UCP), a technique used to estimate the effort required based on the use cases of the system. Through multiple detailed lectures, learners will develop the ability to use UCP for assessing project size and effort, allowing them to make more precise estimations.

Section 6: Cocomo Model

The Constructive Cost Model (Cocomo) is a regression-based model used to estimate the cost and effort of software development projects. This section provides an in-depth look at the Cocomo Model, explaining its various stages, from basic to advanced, and how it can be tailored to different project types.

Section 7: Function Point Analysis (FPA)

Function Point Analysis (FPA) is another important technique for measuring the functionality provided by the software. In this section, students will learn how to apply FPA in their software estimation practices, including detailed lectures on counting function points and analyzing their impact on project estimation.

Section 8: Effort, Schedule, and Cost Estimation, Project Tracking

This section brings together the concepts learned in earlier parts of the course to focus on practical applications, helping students to make detailed effort, schedule, and cost estimations for their software projects. It will also discuss tracking project progress and adjusting estimates as necessary, ensuring better project management and control.

Section 9: Quick Recap, Good Practices to Follow, Common Mistakes to Avoid

The final section consolidates everything learned in the course and highlights the best practices and common pitfalls in software estimation. Students will gain insights into the critical elements of successful software estimation and learn from the mistakes often made by professionals in the field.

Conclusion:

By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of software estimation techniques, from basic methods to advanced models. They will be equipped with the skills to accurately estimate effort, time, and cost for software development projects, leading to better project planning, efficient resource allocation, and successful project delivery. Whether you are a project manager, developer, or business analyst, this course will empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions that will enhance your software projects.

Who this course is for:

• Aspiring Software Project Managers: Individuals looking to enhance their skills in estimating project timelines, costs, and resources for software development projects.
• Software Developers and Engineers: Professionals seeking a deeper understanding of estimation techniques that can be applied to their work, helping them better manage project scope, time, and resources.
• Project Management Professionals: Those involved in managing software projects who want to improve their ability to estimate software development effort, cost, and time, and track project progress.
• Business Analysts and Product Managers: People responsible for bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, who can benefit from understanding how to estimate software efforts and resources effectively.
• Students and Recent Graduates: Individuals pursuing careers in software development or project management, particularly those looking to gain expertise in estimation methods and their real-world applications.