Question
Hello!
For a larger company that manufactures wooden windows, we developed an extensive iPad iOS application for optimizing their internal processes (measurements, installation, etc..). The development of the application went smoothly, the project was completed successfully. However, there are now some situations when it is necessary to upgrade the application to new phases with new features/functions. There are some specific problems for which we cannot estimate exactly how much development needs to be invested, and the company's management wants to have a fixed price for implementation and new development (not possible from our side). Since we do not have experience in the field of estimating the scope of unknown work, we are looking for an expert who could consult us on how to estimate and charge software business. We will also need this knowledge for new upcoming projects.
Thanks!
Valentin
Answer
Hello. No one has experience in estimating unknown work. There is plenty of effort estimation methodologies and they all are not exactly correct. You can use one of the methodologies used with Agile. Like the one when the team gets together and each member has a card where he/she writes her estimate and puts card face down. Then when everyone is ready cards are opened and members with biggest and smallest estimates explain their numbers and team discuss. Then you repeat the cycle with cards, and repeat it until all numbers are the same or very close. There are other methodologies, but this one is very popular. You can Google for "agile effort estimation methodologies" or like this.
