planifest Project Estimation
Overview
Use this skill to create realistic estimates that expose uncertainty and sequencing risk instead of false precision.
Scope Boundaries
- Use this skill when the task matches the trigger condition described in
description. - Do not use this skill when the primary task falls outside this skill's domain.
Shared References
- Estimation calibration rules:
references/estimation-calibration-rules.md
Templates And Assets
- Estimation breakdown template:
assets/estimation-breakdown-template.csv
- Uncertainty register template:
assets/uncertainty-register-template.md
Inputs To Gather
- Scope definition and dependency graph.
- Team capacity and delivery constraints.
- Historical delivery data for calibration.
- Risk factors and assumption volatility.
Deliverables
- Work breakdown with range estimates.
- Uncertainty/risk register with owners.
- Sequencing recommendation and confidence level.
Workflow
- Create breakdown in
assets/estimation-breakdown-template.csv. - Calibrate ranges with
references/estimation-calibration-rules.md. - Track assumptions and risks in
assets/uncertainty-register-template.md. - Review dependencies and critical path sensitivity.
- Publish estimate with confidence and update policy.
Quality Standard
- Estimates include explicit uncertainty ranges.
- Dependencies and assumptions are visible and owned.
- Calibration uses historical evidence when available.
Failure Conditions
- Stop when estimates hide assumptions or uncertainty.
- Stop when dependencies are ignored in schedule confidence.
- Escalate when estimation risk blocks planning decisions.