1. A system comprising: a test planning optimization workbench including: a processor; a memory; a test modeling module, using the processor, operable to generate a test model from test cases and test case dependencies, wherein the test case dependencies are automatically derived from traceability between the test cases and use cases, the test cases are defined in a micro plan as tasks that are performed in association with a particular use case, and as such are linked to the particular use case, wherein the test modeling module is operable to determine a test estimate effort for each test case by leveraging knowledge of best practices and an applicable reference project using pre-defined rules, logic and probability tables, wherein the pre-defined rules, logic and probability tables are based on analysis and data-mining of historic data from past projects; a cost module, using the processor, operable to generate a cost model based on at least one constraint and at least one of defect-fix cost, business cost, and delay cost; and a resource modeling and simulation module, using the processor, operable to generate a resource plan based on a resource base, the test model, and the cost model, wherein the resource plan allocates resources defined in the resource base to the test cases, minimizes a total cost base on the cost model, conforms to the test case dependencies defined in the test model, and satisfies the at least one constraint defined in the cost model.