ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aspires to be a practical reference guide to a range of numerical techniques and models that an estimator might wish to consider in analysing historical data in order to forecast the future. It advocates that we should 'always draw a picture before and after analysing data.' The book provides a reference source for researchers, technical authors, writers and those of a curious disposition, where an original, more authoritative, or more detailed source of information can be found on particular aspects or topics. It considers the difference and relative relevance of Accuracy and Precision to Estimating and Forecasting, and how we might, or should, interpret these in relation to Primary and Secondary Estimate Drivers. The book introduces some pseudo-quantitative techniques that aid such qualitative judgements, which can then be documented to support TRACEability.
