Welcome to Part V of the Five Part Blog Series -- “Steps to Creating an OUM Estimating Model”.
Developing the estimating model is only part of the process. Equally important is the testing and refinement of the estimating model.
Test and Refine the Estimating Model
Once the implementation approach is identified, the conditions for whether the individual estimating components are included, and the factors that influence the effort for the estimating components have been identified and quantified, it is time to test the results.
Testing, refining and re-testing the estimating model is an iterative process. It is important to test many scenarios and to use top-down estimates to both validate the overall estimating result, and the distribution of effort to the phases. Top down estimating is an effective way to identify red-flags and omissions that need to be fixed and retested.
Using OUM’s Iterative and Incremental Development Approach
Congratulations! You have learned how to develop an OUM estimating model. The next step is to maintain and improve the model.
The most effective way to create an estimating model is to apply the iterative and incremental development approach. Start simple and iterate with continuous improvement increments based on actual usage or expanded functionality.
Good luck with your estimating model development efforts!