How to do Estimation...

Initially estimation is the primary point of concern between client and service provider. It is the key to make project IN or OUT for service provider. It is always tedious task to do perfect estimation and satisfy the client. However, as a service provider we believe to make it as much as close to client’s need and expectation. Here, we are going to discuss few points to prepare estimation.

Firstly, if requirement is pretty much clear and everything is defined in detail then proper and final estimation can be prepared. It is easier to allocate hours for activity rather then big task. So, make work down breakdown structure basis on requirement and split the task in to small amount of activity as much as possible. One big task can be group of bunch of activities and once it is divided and elucidated then it’s quite easier to instill hours for it. Bottom-up estimation is the best technique to be followed in this scenario.

Secondly, sometimes some points might be not clear from the requirement or it can be new for us which we haven’t done before then in this case we can find similar type of work if we have done in any previous project and try to compare with it. Perhaps we get some idea to estimate proposed task with the use of parametric estimation. Here, we can use parameters of previous projects to find out placeholder for current requirement.

Thirdly, after did all hard work still you can’t do estimation for any task owing to it’s new for you or you haven’t experience like it before then you can go with three point estimation. Based on assumption, you can take hours for optimistic and pessimistic and find out estimation from PERT technique. You can add some contingency in this type of task because it is totally risk for you as it is completely new task for you.

Finally, in some unknown or new type of work, it is preferable to provide range of hours then fixed number of hours. If you provide any fixed number then client always expect delivery on that particular timeline rather provide range hence you can discuss with client in dates not in fixed number. It will also helpful to build trust between client and you as you can provide delivery on time and that can maintain effective relationship as well.

To conclude, estimation is very crucial to define first relationship between client and service provider, so make it as much impressive and proper as you can. Sometimes, due to improper estimation client reject the service provider and hand over project to other one. Thus, try to catch attention of client and grab the project with best estimation as per your experience and techniques.

Be a Time Efficient...

Time efficiency plays crucial role in our day to day life. A day, planned in advance can save your time and complete tasks within time limit and a day, unplanned can make your day longer without completing tasks on time. Minor alertness can be proved vital in major activity. There are few points to follow to make yourself align with time and use time wisely.

First and foremost point is planning. Always plan your day in advance. You can spare 10 to 15 minutes in morning to make timetable in mind or in any notepad for all tasks of a day. You can schedule tasks as per priority and try to follow it. On your workplace also you can follow the same process. Make a list of all the tasks for a day and try to allocate time for it. This small amount of planning time in beginning can align and use your remaining huge amount of time wisely.

Secondly, the important thing is punctuality. Try to be punctual always on your work or anywhere, that can complete your task on time and you can start other task on time. If you start first task delay then obviously your following task will be delayed and eventually your full day activities will be delayed. Ultimately, you will be free from your workplace late and you will not spare adequate amount of time for your social or relaxing stuff.

Other area to pay attention is to focus on your task rather then try to lookout here and there. Always concentrate on your activity and do it from your heart and mind. Use each moment of the life very carefully and don’t waste it just in gossips and other useless tasks. Give your best and achieve your best, make it life’s rule.

Furthermore, try to tide yourself in some time limit means always keep deadline for your task. Keep your eyes on goal and run with time to finish it. If you don’t make timeline for you then I think you can not complete more tasks in less time rather then you will waste more time in small amount of task.

Some other secondary areas you can work like keep your surroundings clean. Maintain cleanliness around your desk and each items which you are using in day to day life. That will give you pleasant environment to work.  Take break for sometime in between your task to make yourself relax and stress free. It will re-energize you and you can work with more energy further.

All in all, time flows like river and it can not be reverted back, thus we have to use it intelligently otherwise it just pass casually not fruitfully. Time is more important then money because if you use time properly then money will value you and your ability. Seen in this light, always keep yourself time efficient and understand the value of each moment.