In project management, effort is the work necessary to finish a task or project expressed in labour hours or days. While duration—that is, time passed—effort measures the real work necessary to produce a result.
Key Factors Affecting Effort Estimation:
- Task Complexity: More intricate tasks require more effort.
- Resource Skill Level: Skilled workers may complete tasks faster.
- External Dependencies: Waiting on external approvals increases effort.
- Tools & Automation: Advanced tools may reduce manual effort.
Example in Project Planning:
A project requires coding a new software feature:
- Estimated Duration: 10 days
- Effort Required: 80 hours
- If two developers work on it, the task will take 5 days instead of 10.
Why It’s Essential:
Effort estimation helps in workload balancing, resource allocation, and realistic project scheduling, preventing burnout and inefficiencies.
