Abstract: A method of forecasting work hours per unit of time is provided. The method comprises estimating a project hour budget, determining a percentage of the project hour budget to be expended in each of a plurality of project phases based on average percentages of project hour budgets expended in each project phase in completed projects, and distributing the project hour budget across a plurality of units of time based on the percentage of the project hour budget to be expended in each project phase, on the project hour budget, and on a schedule of project milestones.

Abstract: A method of estimating synergy in a development process is provided. Project hours spent during a baseline time period by an adopted application in support of a phased-out application are estimated. Project hours spent during a subsequent time period by the adopted application in support of the phased-out application are estimated. Estimated project hours spent in the subsequent time period are subtracted from estimated project hours spent in the baseline time period to determine an indirect synergy result. Hours spent in the subsequent time period by the phased-out application are subtracted from hours spent in the baseline time period by the phased-out application to determine a direct synergy result. The direct synergy result is added to the indirect synergy result to create a combined synergy result to display to a development process user.

Abstract: A method of scheduling project milestones is provided. The method includes estimating a minimum duration of the project based on an estimated level-of-effort of the project. The method includes selecting a release cycle in which to deliver the project based on the minimum duration of the project, and further based on a release cycle milestone and on a duration of a project planning phase. The method provides for determining a project start date based on the duration of the project planning phase. The method also including scheduling each of a plurality of project milestones based on the release cycle milestone, the project start date, and a schedule of project phases as a percentage of total project duration. The schedule of project phases as a percentage of total project duration is derived from averages calculated from data collected from completed projects.