Software Estimation

This thesis deals with software estimation, describes individual methods which may be used for constructing estimates in terms of effort, time and costs. It also deals with quality of estimate, the way it is used, the process of selection of the right method and other consequences. The main goal of thesis is creating a compact overview of currently known and used methods and approaches to constructing estimates. As a secondary target comes an example of practical use of estimate on a simulated project, where the way of choosing estimating method is presented, based on project attributes such as size, current stage of project or project type. For achieving these intentions, it is important to first set up basic framework of basic terms such as estimate, estimating, project and software project. Apart from just defining these terms, there are some necessary interrelations which must be explained before anything else. Another step is creating categorization of particular methods, their description, restrictions and suitable uses. The quality of an estimate, including factors which may bias, degrade or improve it, is another step towards final goal. Consequences, which may arise when wrong estimate has been provided, are one more piece of mosaic to this work. Lastly, case study demonstrate how to choose from estimating methods and use them on particular project. The expected benefits of the thesis are mainly in summarizing of existing approaches to the art of estimating broken down to categories, as well as list of principles and factors which affects an estimate and the ways estimates influence the project (in either positive or negative direction).