Project Estimation Techniques

In this article, we will learn about:

• empirical estimation techniques
• heuristics estimation techniques
• analytical estimation techniques

Software Project parameters can be estimated using:

1. Empirical estimation techniques
2. Heuristic estimation techniques
3. Analytical estimation techniques

Lets learn about each of them one by one.

Empirical estimation techniques

Empirical estimation techniques is done on the basis of educated guess of the project parameters.

This technique becomes more helpful of the estimator has already had experience doing similar project in past. 

Therefore making suitable educated guess, having prior experience and common sense is good element for this technique. 

Popularly used empircal project estimation techniques are:

1. Expert judgement technique
2. Delphi estimation techniques

Heuristic techniques

Heuristic estimation techniques works on assumption that the relationships among various project parameters can be represented in the form suitable mathematical expressions.

Once the basic parameters are known, the other parameters can be determined by substituting value of basic parameter in mathematical expression.

It can be widely divided into two classes

• Single variable model
• Multivariable model

Popularly used heuristic estimation techniques are:

1. COCOMO

Analytical estimation techniques

Analytical estimation techniques derive the required results starting with certain basic assumptions regarding the project. 

Popularly used analytical estimation techniques are:

1. Halstead software science