Practical Software Estimation: Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects

Practical Software Estimation: Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects

by M. A. Parthasarathy
Released February 2007
Publisher(s): Addison-Wesley Professional
ISBN: None

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Book description

"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 

    Product information

    • Title: Practical Software Estimation: Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects
    • Author(s): M. A. Parthasarathy
    • Release date: February 2007
    • Publisher(s): Addison-Wesley Professional
    • ISBN: None