Priority based Agile Estimation for Size and Time (PAEST)

Abstract

Agile estimation process is an emerging research area because of agile practice of accepting requirements at any stage. Some agile practitioners are using agile estimation of size and time based on expert opinion and planning poker game. These methods are non-algorithmic method whereas algorithmic method of estimation always useful for novice estimator as it is based on empirical study. In this paper, we have proposed algorithmic method, Priority based Agile Estimation for Size and Time (PAEST) for projects using agile practices. PAEST incorporates the identification of factors estimating size of projects based on its priority and impact on the project. Size and Time estimation are computed as function of priority factor of project attributes and uncertainty in requirements of the projects. Paper also elaborates the case studies of various domain of software projects along with priority and intensity level of factors affecting the project estimation. We have incorporated three domains: web application, MIS project and critical software and seven project attributes out of 21 attributes used by generalized estimation method in our case studies. Number of project attributes can be scalable to any number depending on project domain. Algorithm prioritizes the project attributes and generates the estimates of the project more realistic. Introduction of prioritization helps novice to get estimates more precise. In our study we observed that uncertainty in project have more impact than project attributes.