CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is estimating activity durations for a new software development project. The manager has data from three similar previous projects, but the new project is slightly larger in scope. Which estimating technique is most appropriate given the available data?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Analogous estimating
Analogous estimating is the most appropriate technique because it uses historical data from similar previous projects to estimate the current project's activity durations, adjusting for known differences such as scope. The other techniques are less suitable: parametric estimating requires a statistical relationship, three-point estimating needs optimistic/pessimistic/most likely estimates, and bottom-up estimating is too detailed for early stages.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Analogous estimating
Why this is correct
Uses historical data from similar projects to estimate durations; appropriate here.
- ✗
Parametric estimating
Why it's wrong here
Uses a mathematical model; no clear parameter provided.
- ✗
Three-point estimating
Why it's wrong here
Requires three estimates per activity, not just historical data from similar projects.
- ✗
Bottom-up estimating
Why it's wrong here
Involves detailed decomposition, too granular for this stage.
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