Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Mathods, Issues, and Guidelines

by Pfleeger, Shari Lawrence

• ISBN13: 9780833037138
• ISBN10: 0833037137
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-19
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

"Software Cost Estimation and Sizing Methods: Issues and Guidelines recommends an approach to improving the utility and accuracy of software cost estimates by exposing uncertainty (in understanding the project) and reducing the risks associated with developing the estimates. The approach focuses on characteristics of the estimation process (such as which methods and models are most appropriate for a given situation) and the nature of the data used (such as software size). It describes risks in each of these factors in terms of symptoms and warning signs, and mitigation strategies for each." "The techniques described in this book are based on a literature review and on analysis of software estimation and risk, in addition to general lessons and guidance adapted from selected programs." "This book should be of particular interest to those organizations or agencies that use software estimates in the planning, budgeting, developing, or purchasing of software-intensive systems. It should also be of value to those involved in research and analysis of estimation models and techniques."--BOOK JACKET.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	xi
Tables	xiii
Executive Summary	xv
Introduction	1	(8)
Study Methodology	4	(1)
Risk and Software Cost Estimation	4	(1)
Sources of Risk in Software Estimates	4	(1)
Options in Developing Estimates	5	(1)
Strategies for Risk Mitigation	5	(1)
Report Organization	5	(4)
Balancing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Sizing Methods	9	(14)
Characterizing Sizing Methods	12	(1)
When to Use a Sizing Method	13	(10)
Issue: Counting Physical Objects	14	(2)
Issue: Counting Notional Constructs	16	(1)
Issue: Lack of Empirical Evidence, Especially for New Sizing Methods	17	(1)
Issue: Using Past Project Experience and Information	18	(1)
Issue: Tracking Changes and Progress over Time	19	(2)
Issue: Calibration	21	(2)
Survey of Sizing Methods	23	(20)
Lines of Code	24	(3)
Function Points and Feature Points	27	(4)
Object Points	31	(2)
Application Points	33	(1)
Predictive Object Points	34	(3)
Analogies	37	(2)
Estimating from Unified Modeling Language Constructs	39	(4)
Risk Checklist for Sizing Methods	43	(12)
Risks	44	(11)
The Specification or Design	46	(2)
The Development Method	48	(1)
The Estimation Process	49	(6)
Checklist for Reviewing Size-Estimation Risk	55	(6)
Sizing-Method Selection	55	(1)
Project/System Assessment	56	(1)
Sizing-Method Application	57	(4)
Approaches to Cost Estimation	61	(16)
Using Cost Estimates	62	(2)
Buyers	63	(1)
Developers	63	(1)
Users	64	(1)
Researchers	64	(1)
Cost-Estimation Approaches	64	(12)
Expert Judgment Method	65	(2)
Analogy Method	67	(1)
Parametric/Algorithmic Method	68	(6)
Bottom-Up/Work Breakdown Structure Method	74	(1)
Top-Down Method	75	(1)
Historical Databases to Support Estimation	76	(1)
Risks in Cost Estimation	77	(14)
Sources of Risk and Error	78	(13)
System Definition	79	(2)
System Development	81	(2)
Estimation Process	83	(8)
Final Directions	91	(2)
References	93