Re: Estimation of Timelines for Documentation Projects
My employer is presently putting a documentation process into place. A part of this documentation process would require estimating timelines for projects.
In my experience, one is best placed to estimate the time required for a documentation project only if one has implemented a similar project in the past. If such experience is not available, how can one come up with a reliable estimate? Are there any resources on estimation of timelines for documentation projects?
Break the parts of the project down into little pieces, until each
little piece begins to make sense in how you might estimate it. Get
all the separate estimates. Add 'em up. Resist the temptation and
the pressure to round this number down. Instead, multiply by your
favorite fudge factor.
Remember that doc cannot actually start until the engineering is to
some degree stabilised. Resist the pressure to say you'll start it
earlier.
When the project actually gets underway, your start time will slip.
(You know this already, from prior experience.) The specs won't be
ready, or the GUI design won't be debugged, or something. Resist
the pressure to promise that doc will come to the rescue and
"somehow" get the writing done in one third the estimated time.
"Leaps from tall buildings in a single bound," has never been a
successful strategy among writers.
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References:
Estimation of Timelines for Documentation Projects: From: Vlad Dracul
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