6.5 Estimate Activity Durations
Process Definition
The availability of resources often affects how long it takes to accomplish tasks on a project. Therefore the activity durations are not estimated until after the available resources have been assigned.
Process Assessment
As with estimating activity resources, estimating activity durations is very difficult. Activities frequently take more time than estimated, especially when it comes to labor. Also, the duration required often changes over time as activities and deliverables become more well understood.
Figure 13. Estimate Activity Durations: Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p. 166. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.
- Expert Judgment: This brief paper discusses the "Estimate Activity Durations" process and the tools and techniques used therein.
- Three-Point Estimating: This homework problem from PMGT 613 involves conducting PERT calculations to determine the probability of finishing a project by a certain date. PERT uses three-point estimating, a tool and technique for the "Estimate Activity Duration" process.
- Don Funk Music Activity Duration Estimates: This file shows estimated activity durations for the Don Funk music video project, an output of this process.