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Function Points based Estimation model
 
For further details you can download these references:  MS Word document.          MS Powerpoint Presentation.
 
Function Points Analysis (FPA) is probably the most popular way of sizing the software’s functional  requirements. Function Points Analysis method has been developed and promoted by International Functional Points Users Group (IFPUG). Though Function Points have many applications, estimating software development projects is the single most popular application of Function Points. RASS Estimate provides five software sizing methods and Function Points is one of these methods.
 
RASS Estimate has included two estimation models that take the unadjusted Function Points (UFP) as the size input and calculate estimates of effort, cost, price, schedule and resources. 

1)  Productivity based Bottom-up Estimation Model: This model calculates the effort estimates by multiplying Function Points by a productivity rate as hours per Unadjusted Function Point.

 

2)  COCOMO-II based Top-down Estimation Model: In this model unadjusted Function Points are converted to COCOMO's Size parameter by multiplying unadjusted Function Points with a gearing factor.
 
The estimates from both of these models are available in the same estimation sheet but only one is linked to Cost and Price sheet at a time. There is a provision for viewing estimates from both of these models side by side.

The following are other main features of Function Points based Estimation models.
  • Model has implemented the counting of Function Points through a custom template with focus on speed of counting Function Points.
  • Creating the Transaction Breakdown Structures (TBS) of Logical Transactions
  • Manual rapid counting of UFPs and the provision to automate the estimation of UFPs
  • Provision to change the weight factors if IFUPG decides to change them in future
  • Programming Languages have been associated with domain profiles
  • You can use multiple programming languages with ease for estimating
  • Data related to Programming Languages is maintained centrally in Programming Language Master table
  • Productivity Rates are associated with Domain Profiles which are based on historical data
  • Use of outsource profiles to estimate the outsource cost.  Outsource Profiles are defined and maintained centrally
  • Calculation of Schedule Estimates based the combined effort estimates from all estimation models used by the project
  • Reports based on integrated estimates from all configured models as well as individual model

  • The model is easy to use. Action buttons are used to perform various tasks. 
     

 
 

The graphics on the left side shows high level users' view of this estimation model.

 

The selection of the choice of estimation method whether Productivity based or COCOMO based is done while configuration the estimation project. However, you can change it any time. The selected estimation method is tied up with estimation reports. Estimates from other methods are available for viewing only.

 

User Functional Requirements are used to create a breakdown structure of Logical Transactions and then Function Points are counted rapidly. Then Domain Profiles and Outsource Profiles are assigned to Logical Transactions to produce the estimates.

 

The most critical part of this model is the creation of Domain Profiles, Outsource Profiles and the Programming Language table. The programming language table is used only if COCOMO method is selected. Productivity Rates are maintained in Domain Profiles.

 

RASS Estimate includes preconfigured generic Estimation Projects which can be used to tailor new estimation projects thereby reducing the model configuration tasks to a minimum level.

 The following graphics shows a sample subset of the Estimation sheet used by Function Points based Estimation models. 

 

 

For further details you can download these references:  MS Word document.          MS Powerpoint Presentation.