Software Estimation Techniques (with focus on Function Point Analysis, Use Case Point, WBS Based Estimation)

(Two day Workshop)

 

About the Course

This two-day course is essential for those who want to understand how software estimation can be used as a means of improving the prediction of ‘size’ in any application software. The course commences with a discussion on the need of Estimation and the key process parameters that are to be estimated in a project.

A number of alternative techniques for ‘size’ estimation (FPA, Quick FP, Use Case Point, WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) based) are briefly discussed, together with how these techniques could be applied in a given project context.
 
The course then moves on to the topics of other estimation parameters (effort, schedule). Participants will learn how to derive the effort and schedule estimates from the computed ‘size’ of the application software.

The theory presented during the course is supported by a number of practical exercises and case study that demonstrate the software estimation process.

Workshop objectives

A clear understanding of the role of estimation and how this relates to the goal of overall project execution

Learning the techniques for estimating ‘size’ of application software

Ability to relate with the different ‘size’ estimation techniques and understand limitations of the same

Understanding how to derive effort and schedule estimates based on ‘size’

Workshop Contents
The two day workshop would cover the topics as noted below. There would be exercises at appropriate junction points to elaborate and understand the concepts.
Introduction
Estimation Concepts

1. Some popular assumptions about estimation
2. Risks in Estimation
3. Cone of Uncertainty
4. What to Estimate

Process of Estimation

1. Sequence of Estimation parameters
2. Use of Historical Data
3. Process Steps
1. a) Size Measurement Methods and Estimation Models

Function Point Counting

1. The FPA Method
1. Historical Perspective
2. Advantages and Uses
2. FP Counting Process
1. Process Steps and Rules
2. FPA Steps for Files
3. FPA Steps for Transaction
3. Count Unadjusted Data Function Point
4. Count Unadjusted Transaction Function Point
5. Compute Value Adjustment Factor
6. Final Function Point Count

Quick Function Point Counting

1. Need for Quick FP Counting
2. Process Steps and Rules
3. Computing Quick Function Point

Use Case Point Counting

1. Use Case Modelling concepts
2. UML Use Case Diagrams
1. System Described
2. Actors interacting with System
3. Use Cases
4. Relationship of above elements
3. Use Case Points
1. Technical Complexity Factor
2. Environmental Complexity Factor
3. Unadjusted Use Case Point
4. Productivity Factor

WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) Based Estimation

1. Need for FP Estimating (not Counting)
2. Derived Estimation Method
3. Sequence of operations
1. What is WBS
2. How to build WBS
3. Relationship between project activities and work Item
4. Use of Productivity parameter in WBS based Estimates
5. Advantages of WBS Based Estimates
6. Limitations of WBS Based Estimates

Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO II)

1. Understand Structure of COCOMO II
2. The Basic Equation
3. Economies and Diseconomies of Scale
4. Adjusting for Cost Drivers
5. Compute Effort
6. Calculate Schedule

Delphi Wide Band Technique

1. Relation of Delphi with WBS
2. Delphi process
3. Pointers for success in Delphi

Review and conclusion