Estimate Activity Durations
Determining how many work periods are needed to complete each activity, based on the resources planned to do the work.
Key Points
- Focuses on each activity's duration expressed in work periods (hours, days, weeks).
- Relies on resource availability, skill levels, quantity, productivity, and calendars.
- Uses techniques like expert judgment, analogous, parametric, three-point, bottom-up, and reserve analysis.
- Produces duration estimates and a basis of estimates that feed into the Develop Schedule process.
Example
A project team estimates the task "Configure database server." With one engineer available 50% of the time, they assess 12 hours of effort. Considering availability and a 4-hour change window per day, they estimate the activity will take 3 workdays, and add 1 day of contingency for risk related to vendor patches.
PMP Example Question
After finalizing resource requirements and calendars for each activity, which process determines how long those activities will take?
- Define Activities
- Estimate Activity Durations
- Develop Schedule
- Sequence Activities
Correct Answer: B — estimating how long each activity will take with the planned resources
Explanation: Estimate Activity Durations uses resource information to forecast the number of work periods needed for each activity, which then feeds into schedule development.
