{Software requirements / Time estimation best practices}

Ricardo Bermúdez
SOFTWARE ENGINEER\

# CHAPTER 0

Introduction

  • Welcome to the presentation on software requirements and time estimation best practices
  • In this presentation, we will cover the key elements of good software requirements and how to estimate time effectively

{SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS}

"Good requirements enable developers to build the right thing, the first time."

# CHAPTER 1

What are software requirements?

  • Software requirements are the functional and non-functional specifications that define what the software should do and how it should behave
  • Good software requirements should be clear, concise, complete, and testable

Title: PROJECT NAME

Date: [Insert date here]

Version: [Insert version number here]

User Stories

  • List of user stories, written in a "As a [user], I want to [action], so that [benefit]" format
  • User stories are prioritized based on business value and complexity

Acceptance Criteria

  • Clear, testable criteria that define when a user story is considered complete
  • Acceptance criteria are written in collaboration with the product owner and other stakeholders

Definition of Done

  • A checklist of activities that must be completed before a user story is considered done
  • The definition of done may include activities such as testing, code review, and documentation

Backlog

  • A prioritized list of user stories and tasks that need to be completed
  • The backlog is regularly reviewed and updated based on feedback from stakeholders and the development team

Sprint Goals

  • High-level goals for the current sprint
  • Sprint goals are defined collaboratively by the product owner and the development team

Risks and Mitigation Strategies

  • Potential risks and issues that may arise during the project
  • Strategies for mitigating these risks

Project Timeline

  • High-level project milestones and deliverables
  • Estimated project timeline, broken down into sprints

Glossary

  • Definition of key terms and acronyms used throughout the document

Best practices for
writing software requirements

Stakeholders

Involve stakeholders in the requirements gathering process

1.

2.

Documentation

Use a consistent format for documenting requirements

3.

Prioritize

Prioritize requirements based on business value and complexity

# CHAPTER 1

4.

Refinement

Use a collaborative and iterative approach to refine requirements over time

# CHAPTER 2

Challenges of software requirements

  • Highlight the challenges that teams often face when defining software requirements, such as ambiguous or incomplete specifications, changing requirements, and conflicting stakeholder needs
  • These challenges can impact project timelines, budgets, and overall success

{TIME ESTIMATION}

"Estimation is like a game of poker - you never show your whole hand"

# CHAPTER 2

What is time estimation?

  • Time estimation is the process of predicting how long it will take to complete a software project or task
  • Effective time estimation helps to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget

Best practices for
time estimation

Small tasks

Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces

1.

2.

Experience

Use historical data to inform estimates

3.

Time factors

Consider factors that may impact the time required, such as complexity, team experience, and external dependencies

# CHAPTER 2

4.

Refinement

Use a collaborative and iterative approach to refine requirements over time

# CHAPTER 2

Tools for time estimation

  • Use project management tools to track progress and manage tasks
  • Use agile methodologies, such as Scrum, to improve transparency and collaboration
  • Use time tracking tools to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement
# CHAPTER 2

Challenges of time estimation

  • Highlight the challenges that teams often face when estimating project timelines, such as incomplete or inaccurate information, unexpected dependencies, and changing requirements
  • How inaccurate time estimation can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and decreased morale

Code

By Ricardo Bermúdez