> What works better is to be very clear on the big picture goals, do a speculative high level breakdown to inform an initial deadline and staffing commitment, b

> What works better is to be very clear on the big picture goals, do a speculative high level breakdown to inform an initial deadline and staffing commitment, but keep the precise scope flexible. For this part I find that separating out the aims from the goals is a helpful, e.g. Aim: to be sheltered from the rain Goal: build a roof Then you can adjust the goals (what kind of roof; materials etc) while keeping in mind whether the goals meet the aim, and whether the aims are still appropriate, and their priority too. Analysis is more difficult when the concepts are conflated.