Question

For the "determine data needs" activity of a project, the optimistic estimated duration is 10 days, the pessimistic estimated duration is 20 days, the most likely time is 15 days. What is the expected duration of completing this activity?

Answer 1

Answer: 15 days.

Explanation: When one makes an optimistic estimation duration of a project, they don't take into account the unforeseen circumstances that could take place within the duration of the work. This may delay the work that would ultimately increase the number of days.

Similarly, when you make a pessimist estimate, you take into account all the delays and breaks and more into account.

Therefore, when you actually start the work you face these delays and more that ultimately gets you in between the predicted optimistic and pessimistic estimate.