Facing fixed-price software projects? An expert offers five strategies to manage risks and customer expectations regarding cost and scope. These suggestions address estimation, planning, and funding to improve project success.
Fixed-price software development is problematic. Accurately predicting scope, schedule, and cost upfront is nearly impossible. Even with a perfect scope, estimates are rough. The skills of the development team greatly impact the outcome. A better approach is needed.
Software project management is often misunderstood. Adding more people to a late project doesn't speed it up; it can make it worse. Software development is complex and requires skilled individuals, not just extra hands. Time, skill, and experience are crucial for quality software.
Software development time is tricky to predict. A simple method uses an initial estimate, then applies a multiplier to account for unforeseen issues and complexities. The final estimate considers best, most likely, and worst-case scenarios.