For most scenarios where estimates are asked of development, there's usually an alternative approach that will yield better results. Cost-benefit analysis scen

For most scenarios where estimates are asked of development, there's usually an alternative approach that will yield better results. Cost-benefit analysis scenario: Request: We need to know how long it will take to build X so we can decide if we want to build it. Response: What is the maximum amount of time to build X, such that if it took any longer, you wouldn't have us build it? Rationale: Estimating whether a project will be over/under a time given frame is more likely to be accurate than estimating a specific span of time. Dependencies scenario: Request: We need to know how long it will take to build X because marketing needs to know when to start preparing. Response: What is the amount of time marketing needs to prepare? Rationale: Estimating that development is some amount of time away from completing is more likely to be accurate than estimating the entire project. ---- Underlying most arguments for estimates from development is an unwillingness by those doing the asking to do their own estimation.