Practical Software Estimation: Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects

Chapter 10Tips, Tricks, and Traps

Introduction

For every complex problem, there is an answer that is short, simple, and wrong!

—H. L. Mencken

From time immemorial, gurus have passed on their experience to their disciples. The experiences could be in many forms like best practices, tools, tricks, do’s, and don’ts. Traditionally, the knowledge sharing is done in two parts: First the basic skills training is provided and then the advanced or special skills are taught. In a very similar fashion, as you worked through the earlier chapters of this book, the knowledge sharing was the first step in building a solid foundation of basics of the subject of estimation. At the logical conclusion of the basic teaching, the guru delves into the many varieties ...