Ace the CBAP Exam 2025 – Unleash Your Business Analysis Superpowers!

Using the three-point estimate approach involves calculating an expected duration based on three estimates: the optimistic, the pessimistic, and the most likely durations. This technique is valuable because it takes into account uncertainty and variability in the estimates, allowing for a more balanced and realistic expectation of the project timeline.

To find the expected project duration using this method, the formula typically employed is:

Expected Duration = (Optimistic + 4 * Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6.

When applying this formula, if the specific durations provided align with 50 days according to the calculations (based on hypothetical optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic values), the result would reflect that balanced estimate effectively.

In this context, choosing the estimate of 50 days as the expected project duration indicates a blend of the three durations considered, factoring in the likelihood of each scenario. This makes it a pragmatic choice in project management, as it acknowledges that while there may be fluctuations in timing, the expected average takes a comprehensive approach to estimating the overall project duration, leading to a better-informed decision-making process.

This method of estimation is particularly useful in complex projects where uncertainties are recognized, and it allows project managers and stakeholders to plan more accurately.