Rapid Development: Taming Wild Software Schedules

Managing Customer Expectations

Many problems in software development, especially in the area of development speed, arise from unstated, unrealistic expectations. One survey even found that 10 percent of all projects are canceled because of unrealistic expectations (Standish Group 1994). It is in your interest to try to set expectations explicitly so that you can bring to light any unrealistic assumptions your customers might have about the schedule or deliverables.

One kind of unrealistic expectation can arise from the schedule. Many projects have their schedules set by their customers before the requirements and resources are fully known. As I've ...