Controlled Quote by Steve McConnell
“The primary purpose of software estimation is not to predict a project's outcome; it is to determine whether a project's targets are realistic enough to allow the project to be controlled to meet them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art, 2006
Estimation helps assess if goals are realistic enough for project control, not to forecast exact outcomes.
In simple terms: Estimates test goal realism, not predict results.
Key Takeaway
Use estimates to validate and adjust project targets.
Themes
project management
risk assessment
planning
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
practical
strategic
When to use this quote
- project kickoff
- budget planning
- stakeholder meetings
- risk reviews
Key Concepts
realism
control
scope management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify if targets are realistic?
- What actions follow an unrealistic estimate?
A Different Perspective
Estimates can be inaccurate, leading to false confidence.
![“[...] you shouldn't be uneasy about any parts of the architecture. It shouldn't contain anything just to please the boss. It shouldn't contain anything that's hard for you to understand. You're the one who'll implement it; if it doesn't make sense to you, how can you implement it?” quote by Steve McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a6/steve-mcconnell-11957_architecture_you-shouldn-t-be-uneasy-about-any-parts_574744.jpg)
