Estimate effort and identify dependencies

Unit ID: AIT-M09-U02 Estimated active time: 15-20 minutes

The main idea

Effort estimates are guesses unless checked against real context.

This matters because everyday AI tools can produce useful work very quickly. Speed is helpful, but speed can also make us skip judgement.

In this unit, keep the Module 1 rule in mind:

AI can assist. You still review and decide.

Why this matters

Ask for assumptions behind estimates.

When you give clear instructions and review the result, the tool becomes easier to use responsibly. When you skip the habit, the tool may produce something polished but unsuitable.

Safe example

A tool suggests one day for a task that needs approval from another person.

This is a safe learning example because it does not require private, confidential, personal, customer, student, employee, legal, medical, financial, or sensitive information.

Better working habit

Ask for assumptions behind estimates.

Write the habit down before you use the tool. A short habit is easier to remember than a long rule.

What to watch for

Do not treat AI time estimates as commitments.

If you notice this problem, slow down. You can edit the prompt, ask a follow-up question, review manually, or reject the output.

Mini practice

Add assumptions and dependencies to a plan.

Write your answer in 3-6 sentences or a short table. Keep it safe and nonsensitive.

Check yourself

Before moving on, answer:

• What did I ask the AI tool to help with?
• What did I keep responsibility for?
• What would make this task unsafe or unsuitable?
• What would I check before using the output?