# Application of Sizing Estimation Techniques for Business Critical Software Project Management

**Authors:** Parvez Mahmood Khan, M. M. Sufyan Beg  
**arXiv:** [1405.6335](https://arxiv.org/abs/1405.6335)  
**Date:** 2014-05-24  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/1405.6335v1/

## Key points

- Estimation plays a crucial role in software project management
- Size estimation is an important component of accurate cost estimation
- Accurate software size and cost estimates are most valuable during project inception
- Estimating software size at the early stage poses challenges and risks due to limited high-level requirements available
- Risk mitigation strategies are necessary for accurate software estimation
- The paper explores the application of sizing estimation techniques in business critical software project management
- Validating size estimation alongside cost and duration estimates is essential
- Improving the accuracy of size estimates enhances overall cost and schedule estimations
- Challenges faced in estimating software size based on high-level requirements are highlighted
- Practical strategies for mitigating risks associated with estimation are proposed

## Summary

Estimation plays a crucial role in software project management and is an evolving area compared to industries like construction and manufacturing. Traditionally, estimation focused on cost and duration estimates with the assumption that software size was fixed. However, inaccurate estimates have led to recognizing the importance of size estimation as an additional component. Recent studies have shown that size is a key factor in determining cost, making accurate size estimation essential for reliable cost estimation. Furthermore, accurate software size and cost estimates are most valuable during project inception when critical decisions such as budget allocation and personnel allocation are made. However, accurately estimating software size at this early stage poses significant challenges and risks due to limited high-level requirements available. This study acknowledges the presence and impact of risk in any software estimate and offers pragmatic strategies for risk mitigation. The paper titled "Application of Sizing Estimation Techniques for Business Critical Software Project Management" by Parvez Mahmood Khan and M. M. Sufyan Beg explores the application of sizing estimation techniques in business critical software project management. The authors emphasize the need to validate size estimation alongside cost and duration estimates while discussing how recent research has demonstrated that size is a primary determinant of cost. The study highlights that improving the accuracy of size estimates is instrumental in enhancing overall cost and schedule estimations while emphasizing the challenges faced in estimating software size based on high-level requirements. Additionally, it proposes practical strategies for mitigating risks associated with estimation. Overall, this study sheds light on the evolving nature of estimation in software project management while emphasizing the importance of precise size estimates for effective cost estimation.