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3-Points based Estimation models  
For further details you can download these references:  MS Word document.          MS Powerpoint Presentation.
 
The 3-Point estimation method is one of the few estimation methods that are being used to estimate the non-sizable as well as sizable work. Sizing based formal estimation methods are not suitable for estimating the work that can not be sized using methods such as Use Case Points or Function Points or other formal software sizing methods. The Non-sizable work is defined as the work other than the work required to produce or to modify the software required to meet end users’ functional requirements. This definition is meant only to understand the scope of non-sizable work and should not be compared with any other definition of non-sizable work used in a different context. In some situations, a work may have sizable and non-sizable parts. Extended 3-Ponits based Estimation models implemented in RASS Estimate can be used to estimate all types of work irrespective of whether it is sizable or non-sizable. The following are some of the examples of work where you can use 3-Points based estimation models.
  • Infrastructure design, deployment, operations, maintenance, support, relocation and improvements
  • Integration and testing of COTS packages (network operating systems, database systems, security software, management tools etc)
  • Software systems deployment, operations, and support
  • Performance testing, Implementation testing and Trial runs
  • Database building, migration, performance optimization, maintenance, and administration support
  • Development and conducting client Training
  • Statutory Requirements from Government
  • Overheads such as Client Coordination, Efforts spent on Travel etc
Non-sizable tasks are spread over all phases of the project life cycle. A discipline may have most of the non-sizable tasks concentrated within one or two SDLC phases. Also a discipline may not have any non-sizable task for the estimation scope.

RASS Estimate has included two estimation models that are based on 3-Points Estimation method. The following are the main features of these estimation models.
  • Models to suite estimating the task's duration first and then effort or task's effort first and then duration estimates.
  • Creating the Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
    Reduced WBS size due to task grouping and task classification as small, medium and large
  • Requiring 3-Points estimates for medium sized tasks only. Estimates of small and large size tasks derived from the estimate of medium size task.
  • Applying Assurance level to ensure increased accuracy of estimates
  • Resource assignment that takes care of various work situations
  • Use of outsource profiles to estimate the outsource cost.  Outsource Profiles are defined and maintained centrally
  • Combining of duration estimates with duration estimates from other estimation models used by the project
  • Reports based on integrated estimates from all configured models as well as individual model
  • Preconfigured generic project profiles to tailor new estimation projects to reducing the model configuration tasks to minimum

     
 
 

The graphics on the left side shows high level users' view of this estimation model.

 

The selection of the choice of estimation model-I or model-II is done while configuration the estimation project. However, you can change it any time. The selected estimation method is tied up with estimation reports. 

 

User Requirements are used to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), tasks are classified as small or medium or large. Depending on the model used, 3-Points estimates for medium sized tasks are entered, resources assigned and tasks on critical path identified. Outsource Profiles are assigned to tasks to produce outsource estimates.

 

The whole process is systematic and straight forward. You can create WBS components for standard tasks, store them and use then to rapidly build a WBS. Here you need not enter the 3-Points estimates as these will be present in the WBS components.

 

The models provide you ways to speed up the estimation process.  

 The following graphics shows a sample of the Estimation sheet that RASS Estimate has implemented for model-I.

 

 

For further details you can download these references:  MS Word document.          MS Powerpoint Presentation.