Estimation is notoriously difficult. Projects by definition are unique ventures. We do not have the luxury of “having done it before” enjoyed by our operational colleagues – something is always different. But if it were just difficult we would expect to err in both directions – we would over-estimate as much as we under-estimate. Whereas the latter is common, the former is not – except perhaps when quoting a fixed price to a client. We know that our track record is poor but it doesn’t seem to help us – we are not improving. Rather than accept inaccurate estimation as an inevitable part of project management life, the application of good practice should significantly enhance the resultant estimates.  The following ideas may help:

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