Using Inch-Pebbles to Track Project State - Computerworld

Using Inch-Pebbles to Track Project State - Computerworld:

Drake's task is now officially late. Given his progress, can you believe Drake's estimate that he will be done next week? You don't have enough information. You need to know how much of the task is actually complete and how much is left. Inch-pebbles, or miniature milestones, are one way to help estimate task size and monitor task completion. Inch-pebbles are one- to two-day tasks that are either done or not done�there's no 'percentage done' with inch-pebbles. When you or members of your project team create inch-pebbles, first break down the larger tasks into smaller pieces, estimate the time each smaller task will take and then verify that you've accounted for interdependencies with other people. When I see a six-week task on someone's list, I ask that person to define all the pieces of that task�to break the task into inch-pebbles. The first reaction I generally get is 'Huh?' Here's what I do to create inch-pebbles.