Software Estimation

Question 1

What is the primary goal of software project estimation?

Answer 1

To estimate the work to be done, resources required, and time elapsed from start to finish

This is part of the broader project planning activities.

Question 2

What are the three types of uncertainty in software estimation?

Answer 2

• Project complexity
• Project size
• Degree of structural uncertainty

Question 3

What is the objective of the software project planning process?

Answer 3

To provide a framework for reasonable estimates of resources, cost, and schedule

Question 4

What techniques can be used to define software scope?

Answer 4

• Narrative description after stakeholder communication
• Set of use cases developed by end users

Question 5

What are the three major categories of software engineering resources?

Answer 5

• People
• Reusable software components
• The development environment

Question 6

What are the four characteristics that specify each software engineering resource?

Answer 6

• Description of the resource
• Statement of availability
• Time when the resource will be required
• Duration of time the resource will be applied

Question 7

What are the four categories of reusable software resources according to Bennatan?

Answer 7

• COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) components
• Full-experience components
• Partial-experience components
• New components

Question 8

What is the focus of component-based software engineering (CBSE)?

Answer 8

Emphasizes reusability through the creation and reuse of software building blocks

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Software cost and effort estimation will never be an exact _______.

Answer 9

science

Question 10

What are some options to achieve reliable cost and effort estimates?

Answer 10

• Delay estimation until late in the project
• Base estimates on similar completed projects
• Use simple decomposition techniques
• Use mathematical models based on historical data

Question 11

How can measurement be applied in the software process?

Answer 11

• Estimation
• Quality control
• Productivity assessment
• Project control

Question 12

What are process metrics used for?

Answer 12

• Assessing the status of an ongoing project
• Tracking potential risks
• Uncovering problem areas
• Adjusting workflow or tasks
• Evaluating project team’s quality control

Question 13

What are the two categories of software measurement?

Answer 13

• Direct measures of the software process and product
• Indirect measures of the product

Question 14

True or False: Software process metrics can provide significant benefits for improving process maturity.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What is a narrative description of software scope?

Answer 15

A detailed explanation developed after communication with all stakeholders

Question 16

What is the role of project metrics in software projects?

Answer 16

Used by a project manager and software team to adapt project workflow and technical activities

Question 17

What does software measurement assist with during a project?

Answer 17

It assists in estimation, quality control, productivity assessment, and project control

Question 18

What is the significance of defining best-case and worst-case scenarios in project planning?

Answer 18

To bound project outcomes despite inherent uncertainty

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Software scope describes the functions and features that are to be delivered to _______.

Answer 19

end users

Question 20

What are the environmental resources in software project management?

Answer 20

Infrastructure and tools needed for project execution, including hardware, software, and network resources

Question 21

What influences the success of human resources in a software project?

Answer 21

• Number of people
• Skills and technical abilities
• Location affecting communication and collaboration