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Wideband Delphi

5 minutes 5 Questions

This is an anonymous, consensus-based estimation technique. It was developed by the RAND Corporation in 1940s and then adapted to software estimation in the 1970s (Barry Boehm). Steps included in this technique are: defining the requirements of work to be estimated, presenting the work for estimation, individual estimation, discussion of estimations, and repeating estimation till a consensus is achieved. It provides a way to combine expert opinions efficiently and anonymously while mitigating the possible influence or bias.

Guide on Wideband Delphi Method

The Wideband Delphi method is a crucial part of Cost Schedule Management studies and involves a technique that ensures an accurate estimation. It is important because it leverages team knowledge and experience for effective decision-making, reduces bias and delivers more realistic projections.

Wideband Delphi is an estimation method that was developed by the RAND Corporation in the 1940s. It's a variant of the Delphi Estimation Method, enhanced to allow for more interaction between the team members, and designed to produce a fair and realistic estimation by leveraging expert opinions.

The Wideband Delphi process includes the following steps:
1. The coordinator presents each expert with a problem.
2. Experts provide anonymous estimates.
3. The coordinator averages all estimates into a single figure.
4. The averaged figure is provided to the team, and they discuss it.
5. The process repeats until a consensus is reached.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Wideband Delphi
To answer questions on Wideband Delphi in an exam, you should:
1. Understand the Pro's and Con's of the Wideband Delphi technique
2. Be able to explain and present the steps involved in the process
3. Understand its importance in Cost Schedule Management.
4. Remember, the Wideband Delphi estimation method is iterative and repetitive until consensus is achieved.
5. Always make sure to mention it's a team-oriented, bias-reducing technique.

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CSM - Estimation Techniques Example Questions

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Question 1

In the middle of a Wideband Delphi estimation process, it is discovered that one member has less expertise than initially thought. As a ScrumMaster, how would you respond?

Correct Answer: Continue with the process but take the lesser expertise into account during the discussions.

In the Scrum methodology, all team members contribute valuable insight and the Wideband Delphi estimation process is a democratic approach. It benefits from a diversity of perspectives and experiences, even if those experiences are not as substantial as initially thought. Hence, the correct process would be to 'Continue with the process but take the lesser expertise into account during the discussions'. Excluding the team member or disregarding any input from them contradicts the values of Scrum, which is based on collective knowledge sharing and decision-making. Replacing the team member in the middle of the process could disrupt team dynamics and continuity of work.

Question 2

During a Wideband Delphi estimation process, one participant is consistently providing estimates that are far removed from the rest of the team. What is the most appropriate next action?

Correct Answer: Approach the participant privately to investigate if there is a misunderstanding or differing assumptions.

In a Wideband Delphi estimation process, if one participant consistently provides estimates that are far off from the rest of the team, the best approach is to discuss the matter privately with them. This approach is preferred because it encourages open communication and allows issues such as misunderstandings or differing assumptions to be addressed without creating discomfort or tension within the team. Dismissing the participant from the estimation process may not identify any potential misunderstandings that could be influencing the estimates. Ignoring the participant's outliers could lead to inaccuracies in the final estimate, especially if their input is based on valid assumptions. Publicly questioning the participant's understanding may discourage them from actively participating in future discussions, preventing any meaningful resolution to the differing estimates.

Question 3

As a ScrumMaster, you find that your team members are not keen on the consensus meetings in the Wideband Delphi process due to them being time-consuming. What should be your next step?

Correct Answer: Explain the importance of the meetings, allow suggestions, and make suitable modifications to make the process more efficient.

The approach of a ScrumMaster should always lean towards the improvement of established processes and not completely abandoning them or insisting on strict adherence without considering team's feedback. This makes the option - 'Explain the importance of the meetings, allow suggestions, and make suitable modifications to make the process more efficient' as the best approach in this case. The ScrumMaster would support the team by ensuring that the process serves them and not the other way around. Increasing efficiency can result in less time invested and increased team satisfaction. On the other hand, 'Skip the consensus meetings and directly collect estimates' is not advisable as it contradicts the scrum principle of team collaboration and consensus building. Similarly, 'Insist on following the process strictly without any changes' does not serve the agile belief of responding to change and eliminates opportunity for improvement. ‘Exclude those who feel it is time-consuming’ is also not a favorable approach as it goes against the principle of collective responsibility and team collaboration.

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