The process of determining the approximate cost and effort required for a project or task early in its lifecycle is known as a preliminary assessment. This type of evaluation typically occurs before detailed planning or design work has been completed. It relies on limited information and assumptions to provide a high-level understanding of the resources needed. For example, a software development team might conduct a preliminary assessment to gauge the timeline and budget for a new application based on initial requirements and similar past projects.
This upfront evaluation offers several advantages, including facilitating informed decision-making, enabling early budget allocation, and identifying potential risks. Historically, reliance on intuition and expert judgment characterized this initial analysis. However, contemporary practices increasingly incorporate data-driven techniques and parametric modeling to enhance accuracy and objectivity. By providing an early glimpse into project viability, this process can prevent costly overruns and scope creep later in the development process.