Practical Software Estimation

Practical Software Estimation

"A clearly written book that is a useful primer for a very complicated set of topics." --Capers Jones, Chief Scientist Emeritus, Software Productivity Research LLC Practical Software Estimation brings together today's most valuable tips, techniques, and best practices for accurately estimating software project efforts, costs, and schedules. Written by a leading expert in the field, it addresses the full spectrum of real-world challenges faced by those who must develop reliable estimates. M. A. Parthasarathy draws on the immense experience of Infosys, one of the world's largest and most respected providers of IT-enabled business solutions, to bring you the only book with detailed guidance on estimating insourced and outsourced software projects, as well as projects that blend both approaches. He demonstrates how to successfully utilize Function Point (FP) methods, the industry's leading estimation model. Then, using real case studies, he systematically identifies pitfalls that can lead to inaccurate estimates--and offers proven solutions. Coverage includes How to estimate all types of software projects, including "fresh" development, reengineering, and maintenance How to incorporate the impact of core project elements on estimates: scope, environment, experience, and tools FP analysis from start to finish: data and transaction functions, general system characteristics, and more FP methods for any platform or business function Innovative re-estimation methods to track progress How to quote RFPs and prepare contracts: fixed price, time/material, and project execution lifecycle models Alternatives to FP: Delphi, COCOMO II, and COSMIC-FFP How to choose the right estimation tools Practical Software Estimation is the definitive reference for anyone who must estimate software projects accurately: project and IT managers, individual developers, system designers, architects, executives, consultants, and outsourcers alike. List of Figures List of Tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Role of Estimation in Software Projects Chapter 3: A Study of Function Point Analysis Chapter 4: Data Functions Chapter 5: Transactional Functions Chapter 6: General System Characteristics Chapter 7: Size, Effort, and Scheduling of Projects Chapter 8: Estimation Flavors Chapter 9: A Sense of Where You Are Chapter 10: Tips, Tricks, and Traps Chapter 11: Insourcing versus Outsourcing Chapter 12: Key Factors in Software Contracts Chapter 13: Project Estimation and Costing Chapter 14: Other Estimation Methods Chapter 15: Estimation Tools Chapter 16: Estimation Case Study Appendix A: Reference Tables: Transaction Function Counts Appendix B: Reference Tables: Data Function Points Bibliography Index

Practical Software Project Estimation: A Toolkit for Estimating Software Development Effort & Duration

Product verifiable, defensible, and achievable software estimates Based on data collected by the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group (ISBSG), Practical Software Project Estimation explains how to accurately forecast the size, cost, and schedule of software projects. Get expert advice on generating accurate estimates, minimizing risks, and planning and managing projects. Valuable appendixes provide estimation equations, delivery rate tables, and the ISBSG Repository demographics. Verify project objectives and requirements Determine, validate, and refine software functional size Produce indicative estimates using regression equations Predict effect and duration through comparison and analogy Build estimation frameworks Perform benchmarks using the ISBSG Repository Compare IFPUG, COSMIC, and FiSMA sizing methods Peter Hill is the chief executive officer and a director of the ISBSG. He has been in the information services industry for more than 40 years and has compiled and edited five books for the ISBSG.

Practical Software Estimation