Testimonial

"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

About the Book

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

Target Audience

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