Software Development

Software development effort estimation: how does it work?

3
 min read
Published 
May 8, 2019
Software development effort estimation: how does it work?
3
 min read
Published 
May 8, 2019
3
 min read
Published 
May 8, 2019
Updated  

The time spent on tasks assigned to a development team needs to be clarified. When clients know the breadth of the work that we have to do for them, every inconsistency can be eliminated and the general picture of our cooperation will be clearer.

To achieve this goal, we implement a software development effort estimation, which is often used in project-based cooperation models. To accomplish this we need to understand what clients desire as accurately as possible and study their requirements.

How to estimate software projects correctly?

When our business development manager receives customer requirements, he submits them to the Chapter Lead. The Chapter Lead then analyzes the requirements and divides them into separate tasks. Based on expertise, experience, and similarity of tasks done, he determines the approximate length of time it to complete them. He also prepares follow-up questions for clients in order to fully understand and envision the final product functionality.

The degree of client involvement in software development effort estimation has a significant influence on the results of the procedure. The more detailed a client’s tasks are, the more accurate the estimates become. This reduces the level of deviation and results in the client receiving the completed task in time.

Our primary task in the procedure of estimation is to forecast the duration of our work, which will correspond to a practical application of the highest degree.

The speed of tasks performed will not affect quality. We are constantly striving to estimate the whole workload competently, professionally like any other tasks in our ongoing cooperation with clients.

Looking for software developers to build a huge project? Take a look at our dedicated teams.

In our next blog post we are going to review the benefits and challenges you may face by cooperation with dedicated team, and share our best practices as to how to hire a dedicated team.

FAQ

How is time estimated for software development tasks?

A lead developer or project manager reviews the project requirements, breaks them down into smaller tasks, and uses their experience with similar work to estimate how long each task will take. These estimates are based on task complexity, past projects, and input from the development team.

Why does client involvement matter during estimation?

The more clearly a client defines their goals and requirements, the more accurate the estimate will be. Vague or incomplete input can lead to miscommunication and timeline issues. When clients provide detailed expectations upfront, it helps the team give better time and cost projections.

Can speeding up development affect software quality?

In most cases, yes — rushing tasks can lead to lower quality. However, when estimation is done properly and timelines are realistic, teams can maintain quality while delivering on time. A well-planned estimation helps balance speed and stability without cutting corners.

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