How to estimate amount of work/man hours for an unfamiliar task?

Question

Sooner or later we come across a task in our project, with which we are totally unfamiliar ('we' as in PM, but also possibly the staff assigned to do this particular task). How can we estimate amount of time/work/resources needed to complete such a task? What margins of error should we assume?

Answer 1

Thank you for asking this question.

Regarding unfamiliar tasks, i recommend the following:

1. Try to know more about this task (search, ask experts,.. etc.) to reduce knowledge gap,
2. Breakdown the"unfamiliar task" into smaller and more manageable tasks.
3. Assume any missing data you need and compile it into an "Assumption Log", and periodically review and update this log.

Eventually, As much as you apply above mentioned points, the margin of error will be more managed.

Bare in mind that errors will NOT be eliminated, but minimized, managed and controlled.