Estimation Tools and Templates
This directory contains practical Excel templates and worksheets to support the PC2544 Software Effort Estimation course exercises.
Available Tools
Cost and Effort Estimation
- COCOMO Calculator - Comprehensive COCOMO model implementation with adjustment factors
- Cost Planning Worksheet - Complete project cost planning with team rates and overhead
- Budget Template - Professional project budget format with quarterly breakdown
Testing and Quality
- Testing Effort Calculator - Multiple approaches to testing effort estimation
- Critical Path Analysis Worksheet - Schedule network analysis and optimization
Project Management
- Project Schedule Template - Comprehensive project schedule with WBS and resource loading
How to Use These Tools
Excel Setup Instructions
- Download the .xlsx files to your local machine
- Open in Microsoft Excel 2016 or later
- Enable macros if prompted (tools contain formulas only)
- Follow the instructions in each template
- Customize for your specific project needs
Template Features
- Pre-built formulas for automatic calculations
- Data validation for dropdown selections
- Conditional formatting for visual indicators
- Multiple worksheets for different project phases
- Built-in help text and examples
Customization Guidelines
- Modify team rates for your geographic region
- Adjust complexity factors for your technology stack
- Update risk factors based on organizational experience
- Scale templates for larger or smaller projects
Integration with Course Exercises
Each tool corresponds to specific course exercises:
| Module | Exercise | Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 3 | 3.1 | COCOMO Calculator | Apply COCOMO model |
| Module 3 | 3.2 | Cost Planning Worksheet | Calculate project costs |
| Module 3 | 3.2 | Budget Template | Create formal budget |
| Module 4 | 4.1 | Testing Effort Calculator | Estimate testing effort |
| Module 4 | 4.2 | Project Schedule Template | Develop project schedule |
| Module 4 | 4.2 | Critical Path Analysis | Optimize schedule |
Best Practices
Before Using Templates
- Review your project requirements
- Gather historical data if available
- Confirm team composition and rates
- Identify key project risks
- Set quality and performance targets
During Estimation
- Use multiple approaches for validation
- Document all assumptions
- Include appropriate contingencies
- Consider organizational factors
- Plan for estimate refinement
After Estimation
- Present estimates with confidence ranges
- Track actuals against estimates
- Update templates based on lessons learned
- Build organizational knowledge base
- Share successful practices with team
Tool Validation
All templates have been tested with:
- Typical software development projects
- Various team sizes (3-15 people)
- Different project durations (3-24 months)
- Multiple technology stacks
- Various organizational contexts
Support and Feedback
For questions about using these tools:
- Review the built-in help text in each template
- Refer to course materials and exercises
- Consult with your project management office
- Share feedback for template improvements
Version History
| Version | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2025-08-03 | Initial release with all core templates |
These tools are provided as part of the PC2544 Software Effort Estimation course and are designed to be practical aids for real project estimation work.