Manhours Estimation

Almost everything is really tough for the first time even to eat solid foods for a baby. Similarly goes to us as an engineer where something new could be really tough whereby for a experienced engineer could be very fundamental.

Topic I would like to bring into discussion is on manhours estimation for a project based on different disciplines. This is something very subjective where it is done solely based on previous experience. The approach could be different as well depending on supply-demand curve. However previous experience also play a big role when quoting hours based on the fastest track or the most luxurious projects previously done. Experience is properly recorded and developed, it could some database for younger engineers to estimate manhours.

InshaALLAH, god willing, my resolution for 2015 is to develop my own database on hours required based on deliverable or CTR. This is based on my lead and senior engineers experience on typical manhours quoted from previous project. Different leads and senior could be from different organisations and/or different clients. 

Last but not least, manhours estimation definitely will be slashed by project prior submitting the proposal. So, no harm quoting hours as long we are confident enough that we could deliver the project with assigned tasks and time-frame so that the hours quoted will not burst and ultimately the project executed is profitable.