Agile Estimating and Planning : Book Review

"Agile Estimating and Planning" by Mike Cohn offers a comprehensive guide to the estimation and planning process in agile software development projects. With his expertise in the field, Cohn provides practical insights and valuable advice on effectively managing tasks, user stories, and projects within an agile framework.

The book starts by explaining the fundamental concepts of agile estimation and planning, emphasizing the importance of iterative and incremental development. Cohn highlights the collaborative nature of estimation and introduces techniques like planning poker, which help teams arrive at accurate estimates. He also addresses the challenges and limitations of estimation, providing strategies to deal with uncertainty and changing requirements.

Throughout the book, Cohn presents a range of estimation techniques, from simple to more sophisticated methods. He discusses relative sizing, story points, and velocity, allowing readers to choose the most suitable approach for their projects. Cohn also explores the role of planning in agile projects and offers practical tips for creating realistic and achievable plans.

One of the strengths of this book is its practical implementation. Cohn includes numerous real-world examples and case studies, demonstrating how estimation and planning techniques can be applied in various scenarios. He also addresses common pitfalls and mistakes that teams may encounter during the estimation process, offering strategies to overcome them and improve project outcomes.

"Agile Estimating and Planning" is a valuable resource for project managers, scrum masters, and agile practitioners who want to enhance their understanding of estimation and planning in agile software development. Cohn's expertise and practical insights make this book essential for anyone seeking to improve their estimation skills and successfully manage agile projects.

What are readers saying?

Agile Estimating and Planning, authored by Mike Cohn, has been well-received by readers for its valuable insights and practical guidance on effectively estimating and planning projects in an agile environment. The book's clear and concise writing style is praised by many reviewers, as it simplifies the complex concepts of agile estimation and planning, making them easily understandable. The structure of the book, with each chapter building upon the previous one, aids in a logical progression of ideas and techniques.

The book stands out for its practicality, offering a wide range of estimation and planning techniques that can be immediately applied to real-world projects. The examples and case studies provided by the author are particularly helpful in illustrating the implementation of these techniques in various scenarios.

Reviewers also appreciate the emphasis on collaboration and teamwork in Agile Estimating and Planning. The book highlights the importance of involving the entire team in the estimation and planning processes, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. This approach improves communication and collaboration within teams.

Overall, Agile Estimating and Planning is considered a valuable resource for those involved in agile project management. The book's practical guidance and techniques can be immediately implemented to enhance estimation and planning processes. However, some reviewers noted that certain parts of the book may be more suitable for readers with prior knowledge or experience in agile methodologies. Nonetheless, the author's ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner makes the book suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

In conclusion, Agile Estimating and Planning, authored by Mike Cohn, is highly recommended for those seeking to deepen their understanding of agile project management. The book offers practical insights and actionable advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in agile estimation and planning.

AgileEstimatingAndPlanning BookLovers SoftwareDevelopment