Software Engineering Institute

These are the course materials for Block 2 of PSP for the 21st Century, a modular, flexible introduction to using Watts Humphrey's Personal Software Process (PSP).

Block 2: Modules 4-8

• Module 4: Planning with a Model
• Module 5: Estimating with Standard Sizes
• Module 6: Building Standard Size Tables
• Module 7: Reducing Estimation Bias
• Module 8: Automating Estimation with Regression

Block 2 elaborates the component skills of PROBE, or PROxy-Based Estimating, without ever calling it that. Module 4, “Planning with a Model,” introduces the idea of using a conceptual design (the traditional PSP term) to relate all known requirements to various “parts” that one would need in order to implement those requirements and to record and classify those parts for planning purposes. Module 5, “Estimating with Standard Sizes,” introduces the use of a preexisting set of part types with a historical range of sizes as an aid to planning. Module 6, “Building Standard Size Tables,” shows a method for turning historical data into just such a set of standard part types. Module 7, “Reducing Estimation Bias,” introduces the idea of using one’s personal estimating performance to correct for estimation bias. Module 8, “Automating Estimation with Regression,” replaces historical averaging from the previous lesson with regression calculations that may improve estimating precision and accuracy, especially as more data becomes available.