Abstract:
Mechanisms are provided for estimating requirements for completion of a project. These mechanisms, which may be implemented by a data processing system, define general project factors for a general kind of project as well as analysis rules for this general kind of project. A complexity matrix that defines a plurality of complexity measures for a plurality of project factors for a specific project is provided. The analysis rules are applied to the project factors of the complexity matrix to generate a single complexity measure for the specific project. This complexity measure is used by an estimation mechanism to generate an estimate of requirements for completing the project. Exceptional combinations of project factors may be defined to force the single complexity measure to a maximum value when the conditions of the exceptional combinations are met by the complexity measures of the complexity matrix for a specific project.

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to information handling, and more particularly to handling information that is usable in an estimation process. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Those providing services, or delivering a mixture of goods and services, need to estimate accurately the resources and effort required to complete a specific project. This concerns the estimated cost to the provider of completing a project, which is distinct from the price that a customer or client will pay for receiving the benefit of the completed project. This problem is not addressed by other estimation examples that focus on different matters. 
     In various fields, estimating guidance exists in the form of general information, and a general-purpose estimating process that utilizes that information. However, it may be difficult to adapt and use such an estimation process, for obtaining accurate estimates for specific projects. Thus there is a need for a tool to bridge the gap between a general, abstract estimation process and particular projects. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An example of a solution to problems mentioned above comprises receiving project-characteristic inputs for a project, receiving major-services inputs for the project, applying analysis rules to the inputs, and outputting, for the project, at least one complexity measure that is usable in an estimation process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the following drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified example of a computer system capable of performing the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an example of a system and method for estimating. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, that is receiving a few inputs from a user. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing another example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, including some major-services inputs, and a resulting output. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing another example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, including some alternative values for inputs, and a resulting output. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing an example of a process using a complexity matrix. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The examples that follow involve the use of one or more computers and may involve the use of one or more communications networks. The present invention is not limited as to the type of computer on which it runs, and not limited as to the type of network used. The present invention is not limited as to the type of medium or format used for input and output. These may include sketching diagrams by hand on paper, printing images or numbers on paper, displaying images or numbers on a screen, or some combination of these, for example. A model of a solution might be provided on paper, and later the model could be the basis for a design implemented via computer, for example. 
     The following are definitions of terms used in the description of the present invention and in the claims:
     “About,” with respect to numbers, includes variation due to measurement method, human error, statistical variance, rounding principles, and significant digits.   “Application” means any specific use for computer technology, or any software that allows a specific use for computer technology.   “Availability” means ability to be accessed or used.   “Client-server application” means any application involving a client that utilizes a service, and a server that provides a service. Examples of such a service include but are not limited to: information services, transactional services, access to databases, and access to audio or video content.   “Comparing” means bringing together for the purpose of finding any likeness or difference, including a qualitative or quantitative likeness or difference. “Comparing” may involve answering questions including but not limited to: “Does a given item or combination match any element of a set of known items or combinations?” Or “Is a measured value greater than a threshold value?”   “Complexity measure” means any evaluation of difficulty or complication.   “Component” means any element or part, and may include elements consisting of hardware or software or both.   “Computer-usable medium” means any carrier wave, signal or transmission facility for communication with computers, and any kind of computer memory, such as floppy disks, hard disks, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), CD-ROM, flash ROM, non-volatile ROM, and non-volatile memory.   “Exceptional combination” means any association, coincidence, set or grouping that is significant for its effect on complexity, cost, difficulty, or resource requirements.   “Major service” means a service, significant for its potential effect on complexity, cost, difficulty, or resource requirements, that may be part of a project in some cases.   “Mapping” means associating, matching or correlating.   “Measuring” means evaluating or quantifying; the result may be called a “Measure” or “Measurement”.   “Output” or “Outputting” means producing, transmitting, or turning out in some manner, including but not limited to printing on paper, or displaying on a screen, writing to a disk, or using an audio device.   “Project” means any assignment, enterprise, job, undertaking or venture, in any industry or profession; for example, it may involve providing services, or a mixture of goods and services.   “Project characteristic” means a factor, feature, or quality that is significant for its potential effect on complexity, cost, difficulty, or resource requirements, or a distinguishing feature that may separate one specific project from another.   “Project parameter” means a constraint, fact, quantity, or piece of data associated with a project, or a category for such a constraint, fact, quantity, or piece of data.   “State” means any set of stored data at some point in time.   “Statistic” means any numerical measure calculated from a sample.   “Storing” data or information, using a computer, means placing the data or information, for any length of time, in any kind of computer memory, such as floppy disks, hard disks, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), CD-ROM, flash ROM, non-volatile ROM, and non-volatile memory.   “Threshold value” means any value used as a borderline, standard, or target; for example, a “threshold value” may be derived from an agreement, experimentation, personal experience, industry norms, or other sources.   

       FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified example of an information handling system that may be used to practice the present invention. The invention may be implemented on a variety of hardware platforms, including embedded systems, personal computers, workstations, servers, and mainframes. The computer system of  FIG. 1  has at least one processor  110 . Processor  110  is interconnected via system bus  112  to random access memory (RAM)  116 , read only memory (ROM)  114 , and input/output (I/O) adapter  118  for connecting peripheral devices such as disk unit  120  and tape drive  140  to bus  112 . The system has user interface adapter  122  for connecting keyboard  124 , mouse  126 , or other user interface devices such as audio output device  166  and audio input device  168  to bus  112 . The system has communication adapter  134  for connecting the information handling system to a communications network  150 , and display adapter  136  for connecting bus  112  to display device  138 . Communication adapter  134  may link the system depicted in  FIG. 1  with hundreds or even thousands of similar systems, or other devices, such as remote printers, remote servers, or remote storage units. The system depicted in  FIG. 1  may be linked to both local area networks (sometimes referred to as intranets) and wide area networks, such as the Internet. 
     While the computer system described in  FIG. 1  is capable of executing the processes described herein, this computer system is simply one example of a computer system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other computer system designs are capable of performing the processes described herein. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an example of a system and method for estimating. In  FIG. 2 , complexity matrix  250  symbolizes a means for receiving project-characteristic inputs, and major-services inputs, for a project. Complexity matrix  250  may be implemented at least in part with software running on a computer, or with printed instructions or a printed paper form, used with a hand-held calculator and pencil, for example. The double-headed arrow, connecting user  210  with complexity matrix  250 , symbolizes interactions between user  210  and complexity matrix  250 . For example, complexity matrix  250  may give output to, and receive input from, user  210 . Input devices such as keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive screen, or microphone may be used (see also  FIGS. 3-5 ). One particular kind of input that might be used in some cases, project parameters, are symbolized by arrow  220  (see also Tables 1 and 2, below). Project parameters  220  and other inputs may come directly from user  210 , or from another source, such as stored data for a project. 
     Complexity matrix  250  symbolizes a means for applying analysis rules to the project-characteristic inputs, and major-services inputs, to yield at least one complexity measure  260  that describes a project. The double-headed arrow, connecting project characteristics  240  and major services  230 , symbolizes that analysis rules may reflect ways in which project characteristics  240  and major services  230  interact and affect a complexity measure. Within project characteristics  240  and major services  230  are components of a project. Each individual component or item is assigned a score, from a range of possible scores, that reflects an item&#39;s difficulty. Thus complexity matrix  250  symbolizes a means for utilizing a range of scores that reflect an item&#39;s difficulty. Scores are combined, according to analysis rules, to yield at least one complexity measure  260  for a project, from a range of possible complexity measures. Thus complexity matrix  250  symbolizes a means for utilizing a range of complexity measures. 
     Complexity matrix  250  symbolizes a means for outputting at least one complexity measure (arrow  260 ) that is usable in an estimation process (shown at  270 ), to yield an estimate (arrow  280 ). The double-headed arrow, connecting user  210  with complexity matrix  250 , symbolizes interactions as mentioned above, including outputting at least one complexity measure to user  210 . One or more complexity measures may be provided directly (arrow  260 ) to estimation process  270 . A project complexity rating is one example of a complexity measure at  260 . 
     The double-headed arrow, connecting user  210  with estimation process  270 , symbolizes interactions between user  210  and estimation process  270 . For example, estimation process  270  may receive input from user  210 . Estimation process  270  may be implemented at least in part with software running on a computer, or with printed instructions or a printed paper form, used with a hand-held calculator and pencil, for example. Estimation process  270  and complexity matrix  250  may be implemented with software running on the same computer, or on different computers that communicate via a network, for example. 
     Estimation process  270  may include a database, or may be connected to an external database, that contains estimated times required to complete various activities or tasks. One example is a database of estimated times for completing various construction activities and phases. Complexity measure  260  may be used in an estimation process  270 , to modify estimated times and to yield an estimate  280 , for example. Estimate  280  symbolizes one or more estimates such as resources required to complete a project, time required to complete a project, or cost of completing a project. As another example, a database may provide estimation guidance for information-technology projects, in the form of a range of possible values, such as 20-120 hours to complete a project. Use of complexity matrix  250  and complexity measure  260  with an estimation process  270  enables this range to be reduced to a finite value that is more appropriate for a specific opportunity. This increases the accuracy of a cost estimate  280  on which a contract price may be based, for example. 
     Next, some general comments apply to the examples in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 . Project characteristics are shown at  371  and  373 , and major services are shown at  372 . In each of these categories, features are specific to the kind of project being estimated. A project characteristic at  371  or  373  is defined in these examples as one of a user-selectable range of values within a pull-down menu (see menu  350  in  FIG. 3 ). A major service at  372  is binary in these examples; it is either within the scope of the contract (checked in the matrix) or not (unchecked). The examples in  FIGS. 3-5  involve a complexity matrix for estimating computer hardware deployment (rollout) projects. Blocks  301  to  321  in column  361  provide descriptions and prompt a user to provide inputs. Blocks  322  to  342  in column  362  receive inputs from a user. Block  380  provides output. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, that is receiving a few inputs from a user. It could be used with complexity matrix  250  in  FIG. 2 , for example. A complexity matrix and an interface like the one in  FIG. 3  could be adapted to various kinds of projects. Developing a complexity matrix may involve defining, for a kind of project, project parameters, project characteristics, and major services. Some examples of project characteristics are shown at  371  and  373 , and examples of major services are shown at  372 . Some examples of project parameters are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Project Parameters 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Selection 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Rollout Type 
                   
               
               
                   
                 PC/Server Rollout 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Blue on Blue 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 OEM PC/Server Rollout 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Kiosk Deployment 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Network Equipment 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 POS Deployment 
                 
                           
                 
               
               
                   
                 Retail Banking 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 General Rollout 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Contract Duration (months) 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 Rollout Duration (months) 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 Total # sites (street addresses) 
                 1,500 
               
               
                   
                 # Pilot sites 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 # Seats (laptops, PC&#39;s, servers) 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 # Subcontractors to be managed 
               
               
                   
                 # HW Vendors to be managed 
               
               
                   
                 IT Specialist installation 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Routers 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Switches 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Hubs, other network HW 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Project Parameters 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Selection 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Billable Travel 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Project Kickoff Meeting 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Client Status Meetings 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Integration Center Used 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 IBM Integration Center 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Network Modifications 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 DOCS Admin Services 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 DOCS Office at Client Site? 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Existing P&amp;P Docs used for: 
               
               
                   
                 Integration Center 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Network Processes 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Site Survey &amp; Site Prep 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Equipment Installation 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 Training 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 # Training Locations 
               
               
                   
                 IBM Sub Installing Cable? 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 # FTE Days for Next-Day Support 
               
               
                   
                 TSS Installation? 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                 e-Deploy Used? 
                 
                           
                 
               
               
                   
                 IBM to Procure HW/SW? 
                 □ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Developing a complexity matrix may involve defining analysis rules for a kind of project. The example in  FIG. 3  involves logic in the form of rules for analysis, or business rules, that are specific to the type of project being estimated. The purposes of the rules are to leverage intellectual capital pertaining to the type of project, and to ensure that project complexity is calculated consistently. These examples involve four kinds of rules:
     1. Answer automation   2. Weighting   3. Complexity value calculation   4. Project complexity rating.   

     After a complexity matrix has been developed, using the complexity matrix may involve providing, for a specific project, project-parameter inputs, project-characteristic inputs, and major-services inputs, and applying the analysis rules to the inputs. Answer-automation rules may be used whenever possible to answer matrix questions on behalf of the user. In  FIG. 3 , answer-automation rules in the matrix may be invoked to answer the “Sites per Day” question at block  301 . For example, a user interface or checklist similar to Table 1 and Table 2 may serve as a means for receiving, for a specific project, project-parameter inputs. The user, having already answered some questions in Table 1, has provided adequate information for the matrix to answer (in block  322 ) the “Sites per Day” question (at block  301 ) in  FIG. 3 . If the inferred value is a probable answer, such as in this illustration, the field is left active (e.g. this may be shown with a white background, or a lightly shaded background like the one in block  322 ), so the user can override the value. If the matrix answer is definite, the business rules will also deactivate the matrix field (e. this may be shown with a darkened gray background), preventing user modification. In other words, the example in  FIG. 3  comprises receiving project-parameter inputs (see Table 1), applying answer-automation rules to the project-parameter inputs, and generating an answer (“9 to 15” at block  322 ) that may serve as one of the project-characteristic inputs or major-services inputs. 
     Consider another example of input from a user. Evaluation is provided in the form of a range of values in a pull-down menu  350  in  FIG. 3 . A user may choose one of these values to fill block  327 , as input for a project characteristic called “Ease of Equipment Installation” at block  306 . 
     Continuing with details of  FIG. 3 , using the complexity matrix may involve outputting, for a specific project, at least one complexity measure that is usable in an estimation process. Block  380  is a way of outputting, for a specific project, a complexity measure (here, a project complexity rating). In this example, the value for the rating is “low.” 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram showing another example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, including some major-services inputs, and a resulting output. The example in  FIG. 4  involves rules for weighting. Weighting serves two functions. Firstly, it establishes the relative difficulty of dealing with a specific project environment or characteristic, or difficulty of completing a certain service. Secondly, it considers the effects of a given project characteristic or service on other characteristics or services associated with the contract. In other words, the matrix is able to judge the difficulty or complexity of specific aspects of the project and how those aspects affect one another. 
     Consider how the matrix provides a basic evaluation of the characteristic or service. In this example, each project characteristic is scored according to a five-point scale of difficulty. “Simple” would be scored as one (1), “Medium” as three (3), and “Complex” as five (5). Some project characteristics, however, are binary. For example, “Dedicated Installers” (at block  305 ) can only be “Yes” (worth 1 point) or “No” (worth 3 points). A user selection, such as “Medium” (at block  327 ) for “Ease of Equipment Installation” (at block  306 ), is translated into a weighted numeric value (3, in this case). 
     Weighting is also performed for the Major Services portion of the matrix. Each service is usually given a score of one (1), if it is within the scope of the project (i.e. an obligation to provide the major service exists). Certain, more complex services, however, such as providing a Solution Validation Lab (at block  309 ), Site Preparation (at block  311 ), or integration center services (at block  314 ) are given a score of two (2). Doubling the score of a certain service reflects the complexity of that service. The scoring is performed automatically as either the user or the matrix selects which services will be included in the project. Thus, developing a complexity matrix may involve defining a range of scores that reflect an item&#39;s difficulty, and utilizing a complexity matrix may involve utilizing the range of scores. Of course, a range of scores other than the ones in this example could be defined and utilized for a different kind of project. 
     Continuing with some details of  FIG. 4 , here are examples of assigning a score toward the low end of the range of scores (e.g. one point on a five-point scale of difficulty). A score at the low end would be assigned if an implementation project characteristic (see block  303 ) has a state of “geographically progressive” rather than “randomly-dispersed” (see block  324 ). For example, the project may be installing new point-of-sale (“POS”) hardware and software in a chain of stores. The project is easier to manage if the installation proceeds from one geographic region to a nearby region, rather than moving among widely dispersed locations. A score at the low end also would be assigned if a schedule project characteristic (see block  302 ) has a state of “continuous” rather than “start-stop” (see block  323 ). The project is easier to manage if the installation proceeds continuously, rather than stopping during the November-December holiday season, and then resuming in January. 
     Next, consider how to determine the Computed Complexity Value. The Major Services total score may be translated into a single entry on the five-point scale. This means that the list of Major Services at  372  is effectively treated as a single Project Characteristic. The complexity of providing all of the services required for a particular contract is considered in light of the complexity of the overall project characteristics. 
     The matrix sums the total score for all project characteristics. This value is known as the Computed Complexity Value (CCV). In this example, the CCV is a discrete value on a 40-point scale. Table 3 gives an example of how to determine the Computed Complexity Value for  FIG. 4 . A user interface or a report form similar to Table 3 could serve as a means for outputting a computed complexity value, or a project complexity rating, or both. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Item 
                 Score 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Major Services total score, 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 translated into a single entry on the 
               
               
                   
                 five-point scale 
               
               
                   
                 Sites per day: 9-15 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Rollout schedule: continuous 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Implementation type: Geographically 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Progressive 
               
               
                   
                 Ease of client issue resolution: good 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Dedicated installers?: no 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Ease of equipment installation: 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 medium 
               
               
                   
                 No. of HW &amp; SW vendors: 2-3 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Computed Complexity Value 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The matrix converts the CCV into the Project Complexity Rating (Low, Moderate, or High complexity). The 40-point scale is divided into three (3) roughly equal ranges, and the matrix compares the CCV against these ranges to determine which the CCV falls into. The matrix then returns the appropriate project complexity rating value (“Moderate” in this example) as shown in block  380 . (This assumes that three or more characteristics were not rated as complex; see  FIG. 5 .) Thus, developing a complexity matrix may involve defining a range of complexity measures, and utilizing a complexity matrix may involve utilizing a range of complexity measures. Of course, a range of complexity measures other than the ones in this example could be defined and utilized for a different kind of project. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing another example of a user interface for a complexity matrix, including some alternative values for inputs, and a resulting output. This example involves exceptional combinations. Consider how the matrix examines the relationships between the applicable characteristics and services, and modifies the score, as appropriate. For example, suppose the equipment to be installed (see block  306 ) is complex or difficult to install (see block  327 ) and the installers are drawn as needed from a pool of available technical resources (not dedicated, see blocks  305  and  326 ). This situation means that the project management team would constantly be dealing with an untrained installation force. This situation is much more difficult than having a dedicated team of trained technicians install complex equipment. Thus the state of the installation process (see block  327 ) and the state of the installation team (dedicated or non-dedicated, see block  326 ) have a significant affect on each other. To account for this, the matrix modifies the value associated with non-dedicated installers from 3 (moderately complex) to 5 (complex). See Table 4 below. Rules throughout the matrix adjust the score accordingly, wherever such interactions (exceptional combinations) exist. 
     Thus, developing a complexity matrix may involve defining at least one exceptional combination that modifies an item&#39;s score. Utilizing a complexity matrix may involve finding an exceptional combination, and modifying a score (such as a score for an item involved in the exceptional combination; see blocks  305  and  326 , and Table 4). 
     In the example in  FIG. 5 , the matrix performs a check to determine if three (3) or more factors are considered to be complex. In other words, is the number of project characteristics having scores at the high end of the range greater than or equal to a threshold value of 3? If so, the matrix automatically assigns the project a project complexity rating of “High.” See block  380 . This is an example of finding an exceptional combination, and forcing a complexity measure into the high end of the range. 
     Table 4 gives an example of how to determine the Computed Complexity Value for  FIG. 5 . A user interface or a report form similar to Table 4 could serve as a means for outputting a computed complexity value, or a project complexity rating, or both. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Item 
                 Score 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Major Services total score, 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 translated into a single entry on the 
               
               
                   
                 five-point scale 
               
               
                   
                 Sites per day: 16 or more 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 Rollout schedule: continuous 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Implementation type: Geo 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Progressive 
               
               
                   
                 Ease of client issue resolution: 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Excellent 
               
               
                   
                 Dedicated installers?: no 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 Ease of equipment installation: 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 complex 
               
               
                   
                 No. of HW &amp; SW vendors: 2-3 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Computed Complexity Value 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 4 gives an example where a project complexity rating would be on the borderline between moderate and complex, according to the addition of the scores. (Assume a 40-point scale is divided into 3 roughly equal ranges. Then the border between moderate and complex is about 27.) However, the number of project characteristics having scores at the high end of the range is greater than or equal to a threshold value of 3, so the matrix automatically assigns the project a project complexity rating of “High,” as seen in block  380  of  FIG. 5 . 
     In general, developing a complexity matrix may involve defining at least one exceptional combination that forces a complexity measure into the high end of the range of complexity measures. A range of complexity measures other than the ones in this example could be defined and utilized for a different kind of project. As another example, a rule could be stated like this: “force a complexity measure into the high end, if the number of project characteristics having scores at the high end of their range exceeds a threshold value of 5.” 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing an example of a process using a complexity matrix. The example in  FIG. 6  begins at block  601 , receiving input of project parameters. These project-parameter inputs are specific facts or quantities concerning a project. Inputs may be “yes” or “no,” or numbers, for example (see Tables 1 and 2). Inputs for project parameters may supplement or inform inputs of project characteristics and major services (at block  603 ). 
     The example continues at block  602 : applying answer-automation rules to the project-parameter inputs, and generating one or more answers, that may serve as project-characteristic inputs or major-services inputs (at block  603 ). This is one aspect of applying analysis rules to inputs. Block  602  symbolizes a way that project parameters may supplement or inform inputs of project characteristics and major services. 
     The example in  FIG. 6  continues at block  603 , receiving inputs of project characteristics and major services. These may be described as factors that can drive up costs rapidly for a service provider for example, or distinguishing factors that separate one specific project from another (see also  FIGS. 3-5 ). A complexity matrix is unique to each type of service opportunity. The matrix for a rollout (hardware deployment) project will be different from the matrix for a server consolidation project, which in turn will be different from the matrix for a data center construction project. However, the concept of the matrix and its general principles will apply across all such examples. 
     The example continues at block  604 , applying weighting rules and generating scores (see also the discussion of  FIG. 4 ). Blocks  604 - 606  represent aspects of applying analysis rules to inputs. Consider an example from a server-consolidation project. A weighting rule for major services might be stated this way: “if providing services involving operating systems other than AIX, or some other popular versions of UNIX, then double the basic point value.” In some cases, existence of an exceptional combination might invoke a rule for interaction-based modification of scores. 
     The example in  FIG. 6  continues at block  605 , applying complexity value calculation rules to scores (see also the discussion of  FIG. 4 ). The example continues at block  606 , applying project complexity rating rules and producing a rating (see also the discussion of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). A rating might be forced into a certain range in some cases. 
     As is implied by Block  606  in  FIG. 6 , the matrix maintains a count of the number of project characteristics that are scored as “complex,” i.e., assigned a score at the high end (5 on a 5-point scale of difficulty). This counter is used, not only to enforce the business rule that three (3) or more complex characteristics result in a project complexity rating of “High”, but also to modify the weighting for certain project characteristic scores. Two such examples are the effects of certain states of the Rollout-Schedule and Implementation-Type project characteristics (discussed above regarding  FIG. 4 ). 
     For example, assume that Rollout Schedule has a state of “Start-Stop” (normally scored as a 3, or moderate complexity) and that at least two (2) project characteristics are scored as “complex” (5). Then having to re-start a project after a prolonged delay is significantly more difficult than it would be if the various characteristics of the project were simple, or of moderate complexity. Consequently, the Complexity Matrix increases the Rollout Schedule score from 3 to 5. This increase, of course, also increments the complexity counter, since the Rollout Schedule score was just increased to 5 (complex). 
     Similarly, assume that Implementation Type has a state of “Randomly Dispersed” (normally scored as a 3) and that at least 2 project characteristics are scored as complex (5). Then it is much harder for the project team to ensure high-quality performance among many randomly dispersed sites across a very wide geographic area, than it would be if the sites were in a more circumscribed region. In this case, the Complexity Matrix increases the Implementation Type score from 3 to 5. This increase also increments the complexity counter, since the Implementation Type variable was just increased to 5 (complex). 
     Next, block  607  represents a way of outputting at least one complexity measure that is usable in an estimation process. For example, both the project complexity rating and the computed complexity value are used to modify activity and task level estimates when project complexity is a significant cost factor. The project complexity rating is used when a gross estimate of cost is appropriate. The computed complexity value is used when more discrete estimates are required. The complexity matrix output is usable in many kinds of estimating processes. It is widely applicable in services project estimation, and could be used to derive more accurate estimates from a number of industry estimating databases. One such application is in the construction industry, which has an extensive database of time estimates for completing various construction activities and phases. The concept is applicable to any process that has an identifiable set of variables, such as product development cycles or manufacturing processes. 
     Regarding  FIG. 6 , the order of the operations in the processes described above may be varied. For example, it is within the practice of the invention for block  601 , receiving input of project parameters, to occur simultaneously with block  603 , receiving input of project characteristics and major services. As another example, the reference to forcing a rating could be removed from block  606 . Instead, a separate path could be described for forcing a rating into the high end of the range, if a threshold value is exceeded. Those skilled in the art will recognize that blocks in  FIG. 6  could be arranged in a somewhat different order, but still describe the invention. Blocks could be added to the above-mentioned diagram to describe details, or optional features; some blocks could be subtracted to show a simplified example. 
     This final portion of the detailed description presents a few details of an example implementation. A complexity matrix was implemented with software running on a laptop computer (sold under the trademark THINKPAD by IBM). A user interface, like the examples shown in Tables 1 and 2 and  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , was linked to spreadsheet software (the software product sold under the trademark EXCEL by Microsoft Corporation). Rules were implemented via equations in the spreadsheet software. This example complexity matrix produced computed complexity values and project complexity ratings for computer hardware deployment projects. Other hardware and software could be used. A complexity matrix could be implemented as a client-server application for example. 
     In conclusion, examples of solutions are provided for obtaining accurate estimates for specific projects. 
     One of the possible implementations of the invention is an application, namely a set of instructions (program code) executed by a processor of a computer from a computer-usable medium such as a memory of a computer. Until required by the computer, the set of instructions may be stored in another computer memory, for example, in a hard disk drive, or in a removable memory such as an optical disk (for eventual use in a CD ROM) or floppy disk (for eventual use in a floppy disk drive), or downloaded via the Internet or other computer network. Thus, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-usable medium having computer-executable instructions for use in a computer. In addition, although the various methods described are conveniently implemented in a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by software, one of ordinary skill in the art would also recognize that such methods may be carried out in hardware, in firmware, or in more specialized apparatus constructed to perform the method. 
     While the invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those with skill in the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim element is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such limitation is present. For non-limiting example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the introductory phrases “at least one” or “one or more” to introduce claim elements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim element by indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “at least one” or “one or more” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an;” the same holds true for the use in the claims of definite articles.