The dataset contains various estimation techniques used in project management, particularly in Agile methodologies. Each entry provides a name of the technique, a brief description, the type of estimation it falls under, its estimation scale, and its typical use case within teams.
| Technique | Description | Type | Estimation Scale | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story Points | Relative sizing of user stories based on complexity and effort | Estimation | Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizes | Agile teams estimating backlogs |
| Planning Poker | Consensus-based technique where team members estimate effort using cards | Consensus | Fibonacci sequence | Team estimation during planning meetings |
| T-Shirt Sizes | Assigning sizes like XS, S, M, L, XL to backlog items for relative comparison | Relative estimation | T-shirt sizes | High-level estimation for initial backlog |
| Dot Voting | Team members vote on user stories to prioritize or size them | Prioritization | Simple dot scoring | Team workshops for backlog prioritization |
| Affinity Estimation | Group items based on their size or complexity collaboratively | Team Collaboration | Custom ranges | Teams estimating in groups to build consensus |
| Bucket System | Place items into predefined buckets representing different sizes | Categorization | Defined buckets (small, medium, large) | Quick sizing in large backlogs |
| Three-Point Estimation | Using optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to calculate averages | Statistical | Custom (Optimistic, Pessimistic, Most Likely) | Detailed estimation for complex tasks |
| Use Case Points | Estimating based on use cases with complexity weights | Formal Method | Weighted scoring system | Complex software projects with defined use cases |
| Function Point Analysis | Measuring size based on functionalities delivered to users | Formal Method | Function point count | Software development where functionality is key |
| Expert Judgment | Relying on experienced team members to estimate effort and complexity | Expertise | Varies by expert | Quick estimates in complex scenarios |
| Wideband Delphi | A group of experts using iterations to refine estimates collaboratively | Consensus | Custom scales | Large projects requiring expert input |
| Gravel Estimation | Using physical items (gravel) to count stories and size them | Visual | Physical counting | Engagement techniques for teams |
| Use Case Weighting | Assigning weights to use cases based on their importance or complexity | Prioritization | Custom weights | Prioritizing work based on strategic importance |
| Game Planning | Using games like Planning Poker or Agile games for estimation fun | Engagement | Fun scoring | Team building while estimating |
| Kanban Sizing | Sizing work items based on the Kanban approach and flow efficiency | Flow-based | WIP limits as sizing context | Continuous flow processes |
| Relative Sizing | Estimating items relative to each other rather than absolute values | Relative Comparison | Small, medium, large comparisons | Simplicity in backlog sizing |
| Story Mapping | Visual representation of user stories mapped to user journeys for sizing | Visualization | Stages of user journey | Clarifying needs and estimating occasion |
| Moscow Method | Prioritizing items into Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have | Prioritization | MoSCoW categories | Scarce resources in limited time |
| Cumulative Flow Diagram | Using flow diagrams to visually manage and size work items | Visual Management | Flow-based metrics | Monitoring project health and flow efficiency |
| IDEAL Estimates | IDEAL stands for Impact, Duration, Experience, and Adjustments in estimating | Methodical | 4 metrics assessment | Overall project estimation based on holistic views |
| Risk-Based Estimate | Estimating work based on the assessed risk levels associated with each item | Risk Management | Custom risk scoring | Prioritization in high-risk environments |
| Backlog Grooming | Regularly reviewing and sizing backlog items for relevancy and accuracy | Continuous Review | Custom sizing scale | Keeping backlogs manageable |
| Velocity Tracking | Using velocity from previous sprints to assess capacity for future sprints | Historical Performance | Average story points per sprint | Planning and forecasting in Scrum |
| Agile Estimation Wheel | Physical tool with ranges for fast estimates during discussions | Tool-based | Ranges on the wheel | Quick group estimates in meetings |
| Estimation Games | Leveraging various games to foster engagement and collaborative estimation | Engagement | Game-based scoring | Innovative sessions for team collaboration |
| Risk Evaluation Matrix | Matrix approach for estimating items based on their associated risks | Matrix Tool | Risk level vs impact | Critical projects with high stakes |
| ICE Score | Evaluating items based on Impact, Confidence, and Ease for sizing and prioritization | Scoring System | Scored 1-10 | Prioritization technique for product features |
| Weighted Shortest Job First | Prioritizing work items based on the cost of delay divided by duration | Prioritization | WSJF score | Advanced prioritization for optimal flow |
| Value-Based Estimation | Sizing based on the perceived value each item brings to the customer | Value Focused | Custom value metrics | User-centered development approach |
| Relative Weighting | Assigning weights to user stories based on significance over sheer size | Relative Comparison | Weighted scales | Insightful cross-reference in planning |
| Feature Points | Similar to function points but focuses on features delivered as a means of sizing | Functional | Feature count | Feature-driven development strategies |
| Scrum Estimation Quiz | Interactive quiz for teams to understand and size stories through engagement | Engagement | Quiz score-based | Fun exercise during retrospectives |
| Specification by Example | Sizing based on examples and specifications provided from customers | Specification | Examples defined | Clarity and agreement in requirements gathering |
| Task Breakdown | Breaking larger stories into tasks for detailed sizing | Decomposition | Task-based breakdown | Complex stories needing granular sizing |
| Velocity Forecasting | Establishing expected velocity outcomes based on historical data analysis | Historical Performance | Estimate growth trends | Enhancing forecast accuracy |
| Team Calibration Sessions | Frequent sessions to align team understanding of sizes and complexity | Team Collaboration | Team-defined calibrations | Regular meetings for consistency |
| Feature Slicing | Segmenting stories based on features to get accurate size assessments | Feature-oriented | Feature slice counts | Granular breakdown to reveal true sizes |
| Estimation Retrospective | Reviewing estimation practices post-project to refine future estimates | Continuous Improvement | Reflection-based metrics | Improvement-driven methodology |
| Value-Adjusted Sizing | Adjusting size estimates based on customer value derived from each item | Value Centric | Value-weighted | Maximizing returns on development investments |
| Work Size Inventory | Creating an inventory of task sizes averaged across multiple projects | Statistical Analysis | Average sizing data | Benchmarking across projects |
| Weighted Estimation | Assigning weights based on project attributes (risk, value, duration) | Weighted Decision Making | Attribute-weighting | Data-driven estimation improvement |
| Feature Size Index | Index to represent the size of features using a standard methodology | Standardized Index | Feature indexing | Consistency across product measures |
| Timeboxing | Setting up fixed amounts of time to complete estimation tasks for better sizing sessions | Time Management | Time constraint adjustments | Managing team focus during estimation |
| Size Thresholds | Defining thresholds that govern size categorizations for stories and tasks | Threshold-Based | Customized thresholds | Decision making based on sizes |
| Sizing Consensus Process | Methodology for achieving consensus through several rounds of discussion | Consensus | Modified Delphi method | Dedicated sessions to harmonize size estimates |
| Value Delivery Estimate | Evaluating based on the business value delivered over effort spent | Value-Focused | Estimate value ratio | Customer-focused development processing |
| Customer Collaboration | Sizing influenced by direct feedback and collaboration with customers | Customer-Driven | Variable feedback loops | Adaptability in ongoing projects |
| SWIFT Estimation | Simple Weighted Intelligent Estimate Technique for quick sizing | Quick Estimation | Swift assessment scale | Fast-paced environments needing speed |
| Visual Estimation Boards | Using boards to visually represent and size backlog items for easy identification | Visual Management | Board-based metrics | Operational environments |
| Task Delegation Models | Sizing tasks specifically against team member capacity and skill | Capacity Planning | Custom delegation metrics | Streamlined work distribution |
| Stakeholder Engagement Scores | Engagement level of stakeholders influences sizing process | Stakeholder Focused | Agreed metrics | Feature priority based on stakeholder value |
| Hybrid Models | Combining various sizing techniques tailored to specific project needs | Adaptive | Custom model orchestration | Flexibility in diverse project formats |
| Sprint Review Feedback | Using insights from sprint reviews to adjust future size estimations | Reflection | Review metrics | Learning from past development cycles |
| Rapid Prototyping Feedback | Utilizing user feedback from prototypes to size backlog items more accurately | Feedback Loop | Prototype feedback metrics | Iterative design and agile development |
| Data-Driven Estimation | Using historical data analytics to improve accuracy in estimations | Analysis | Data-based estimates | Decision-making rooted in empirical evidence |
| Job/Task Analysis | Analyzing each job/task to evaluate complexities associated with each | Analytical | Complexity breakdown | Detailed assessments on job structure |
| Peer Estimation Method | Peers estimate the size of stories/tasks collaboratively | Peer Review | Consensus building | Encourages collective responsibility |
| Expert-Based Sizing | Using experienced members to estimate stories with known historical performance | Consultative | Expert consensus | Skilled project evaluation |
| Size Estimation Tools | Using digital or physical tools to assist in estimating story sizes | Tool-Supported | Software or physical formats | Tech-focused environments |
| Reverse Estimation | Starting with desired outcomes and estimating back to effort needed | Outcome-focused | Outcome requirement metrics | Goal-driven estimation methods |
| Schaffer's Estimate | A combination of story points and team consensus for sizing | Blended Approach | Hybrid scoring | Iterative scaling initiatives |
| Dynamic Sizing | Adaptive sizing methods reacting to changing project conditions | Agile Philosophy | Project condition metrics | Responsive development strategies |
| Packaged Estimation | Bundling similar size estimates to streamline the estimation process | Bundled Techniques | Package sizing metrics | Efficient backlog management |
| Sizing Workshops | Dedicated workshops to collaboratively size backlog items with stakeholders | Collaboration Space | Workshop measures | Engaged stakeholder perspective |
| Continuous Improvement Cycle | Ongoing assessment and refinement of sizing techniques | Continuous Feedback | Measurement of estimation accuracy | Cultivating iterative enhancements |
| Epic Breakdown | Sizing large stories (epics) by breaking them down into smaller user stories | Decomposition | Epic to story mapping | Effective planning of large projects |
| Team-based Sizing | Encouraging team involvement in sizing to foster collective ownership | Team Collaboration | Customized team engagement | Collaboration-driven practices |
| Feedback Loop Integration | Incorporating user feedback continuously into size estimates | Feedback Cycle | User metric feedback | Informed and agile project management |
| Lean Sizing | Shortening estimation processes to focus on value rather than excessive detail | Lean Methodology | Value-stream based | Streamlined processes |
| Review Cycles | Regular reviews of sizing methods and their effectiveness for adjustments | Reflection Cycles | Review metrics | Adjustment through evaluation |
| Test-driven Estimation | Using tests to drive estimation requirements for better clarity | Testing Focused | Test metric evaluations | Quality-driven estimation |
| Cross-team Estimation | Engaging multiple teams in sizing to achieve cross-sectional views | Cross-Functional | Team collaboration metrics | Holistic project view |