Estimation Model Flashcards
What is software effort and cost estimation?
A process used to predict the effort, cost, and time required to develop a software system.
What are the two main approaches to software estimation?
Experience-Based Estimation – Relies on past project experience.
Algorithmic Estimation – Uses mathematical models to predict effort.
What is the main issue with experience-based estimation?
New projects may not resemble past projects.
Technology evolves, making previous experiences less relevant.
Hard to estimate effort for new techniques like AI, cloud computing, and microservices.
What is algorithmic cost estimation?
A formula-based approach that calculates development effort based on project attributes like size, complexity, and team experience.
What is COCOMO?
Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO) is an empirical software cost estimation model based on historical project data
What are the three levels of COCOMO?
Application Composition Model – Estimates effort for component-based software.
Reuse Model – Estimates effort for reusing or integrating code.
Post-Architecture Model – Provides detailed effort estimation using 17 cost multipliers.
What is the main formula for software effort estimation?
PM=A×Size B ×M
Where:
PM = Person-months (effort).
A = Constant based on organization.
Size = Estimated software size (KLOC – Thousands of Lines of Code).
B = Effort scaling factor.
M = Multipliers for product, process, and personnel attributes.
What are the three key steps in estimating code size?
New code lines to be developed.
Equivalent lines from reused components.
Modified lines due to requirement changes.
What are some common software estimation challenges?
❌ Changing requirements increase uncertainty.
❌ Lack of historical data for new technologies.
❌ Human error in effort estimation.
❌ Overestimation or underestimation impacts project success.
What are the key benefits of COCOMO estimation models?
✔ Data-driven estimates improve accuracy.
✔ Flexible models for different development approaches.
✔ Considers multiple factors (size, process, and people attributes).
✔ Widely used in industry.
What are the three key cost estimation techniques?
Experience-Based – Uses past project experience.
Algorithmic Models – Uses formulas (e.g., COCOMO).
Hybrid Approach – Combines both for better accuracy.
Why are PERT, CPM, and Gantt charts important for project estimation?
PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique): Helps estimate task durations.
CPM (Critical Path Method): Identifies key project dependencies.
Gantt Charts: Visualizes project schedules and timelines.
