Estimating time budget for software documentation projects - An e-learning training course
Accurate estimating and reporting for technical publications projects
Imagine you're responsible for a documentation project and it looks like there's not enough time to get all of the work done.
What would it be like if you have to decide between putting back the release date, delivering incomplete and poor quality documentation, having to go an ask for more staff, or being faced with you and your team "working the night shift" in order to get it completed on time?
Delivering documentation projects on time and on budget can be a mighty challenge because it's difficult to work out accurately how long it will take. When scoping goes badly wrong it can bring up some unexpected and uncomfortable issues for you, your colleagues and your customers.
At Cherryleaf, our projects team face this challenge every week, which means we have scoped a lot of projects! There's nothing that focuses the mind more than an external customer and a fixed budget. In fact, in late 2005, Cherryleaf was asked to talk about this subject at the TICAD conference, where over 100 top documentation managers and writers from European organizations, both big and small gathered to find out more.
Our presentation was so well received, it got mentioned in ITWeek:
"Ellis Pratt also brings wisdom - indeed, he has lessons on metrics that go beyond their use in technical publishing."
Prof. James Woudhuysen, ITWeek, November 2005.
To help you keep control of your documentation projects, we've created an e-learning presentation for you. The presentation provides you with advice and proven techniques that you can use to ensure that your plans and promises to others are as accurate as possible - in the comfort of your own home or office.
Who is this for?
This e-learning presentation is for anyone who needs to estimate the time needed to complete a software documentation project.
Produced by experience
The presentation is based on the combined experience and research of the author, Carol Johnston, and the conference presenter, Ellis Pratt. Carol has been in the business of technical writing for more than 9 years and is a seasoned documentation project manager and a certified trainer. Both Carol and Ellis work for a technical writing consultancy called Cherryleaf Ltd. This means they get to see a lot of projects, and help people get their planning right. At Cherryleaf, we've made it our business to learn the techniques of document planning from experience and from other experts in the field. We've summarised this knowledge and experience into an easy to understand format for this guide.
What you'll cover
In this online training presentation, you'll look at methods for accurately estimating the development days and associated costs for software documentation projects. The material is based on research principles and experience of what works. It provides clear and practical advice. All you have to do is read the information and apply it.
The presentation consists of online slides with audio voiceover. You'll view and listen to these using a Web browser.
Prerequisites
None.
Money back satisfaction guarantee
This course comes with a 90-day money back satisfaction guarantee.
Price
The cost of the course is:
£23 (= $46) ex VAT per delegate.
The modules are password protected. If you wish more than one delegate to complete the course, change the quantity to the the number of delegates you have.
Please note we accept payment in US $, STERLING and EUROS.
You will be given the option to choose your currency when you confirm your credit card details.
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Further information
Contact us if you would like to know more about how we can help you. If you can, please state the issues you are interested in fixing. We'll respond by email or phone.