Trend groups are a key part of the framework that allows SLIM-Collaborate to offer faster, easier estimation and benchmarking. They allow users to validate solutions against relevant industry or historical performance data and support trend-based estimates, Balanced Risk comparison solutions, and risk ratings. Trend groups are also used to calculate trend-based solution inputs for multiple solution methods (example: size bins), generate 5-star performance assessments for Closeout projects, and benchmark projects against relevant corporate or industry data. Here are several examples of how trend data is used in Collaborate:
•When using the Feasibility solution method for estimation, the Relative Size technique allows estimators to size a project by “bin” calculated from relevant projects. The size ranges associated with each size bin reflect the size ranges in the underlying trend group.
•The Estimation Service’s Productivity by Rank performs a similar function with the PI or productivity input.
•Estimation Risk Comparison ratings are calculated by comparing the estimate outputs to the Balanced Risk Solution, which comes from trend average and standard deviation values.
•The trend-based solution method for Estimation projects draws average time and effort from the project’s trend group at a given size.
•In the Estimation service, you can override the project’s phase configuration set and use phase tuning data from the project’s trend group.
Trend groups fall into two broad categories: QSM Trend Groups and Custom (user) Trend Groups created by your organization from your own completed project data. Both types of trends can be uploaded to your Collaborate site from a SLIM-Metrics (.smw) or SLIM-Estimate (.sew) workbook by the Back Office administrator.