Software Estimation

course introduction

Learn how to make better development project plans by mastering the art of software estimation with this course. This course will help learners discover how to overcome common time and budget problems when building software by mastering the estimation standards associated with a workable, accurate project plan.

Students will be introduced to well-known, well-established estimation frameworks that, when applied to their own software development projects, will help ensure resources are properly deployed and managed so that applications are delivered on time and budget.

The Software Estimation course is best suited to:

• Software developers who need to feed accurate estimates into the project plan.
• Project managers who need to better understand the complexities of software estimation to improve their own project plans.
• Technical professionals involved in the software development process who need to appreciate the estimation process and to assist with the data collection phase of planning.
• Individuals who want to retrain for a role in project management with a special emphasis on software development.

Over the course of seven modules, students will be taken through common software estimation techniques, using a mix instructor-led videos and hands-on practical exercises. End of unit quizzes ensure that learners fully understand each concept and can properly apply their learning.

Our online learning platform also features a built-in social network, allowing students to connect with their peers to trade tips and advice, or to seek assistance with completing practical exercises which they encounter throughout the course.

key learning points

Initially students will cover the basic principles of software estimation, looking at issues like sizing and effort estimation and the commonly-used estimation techniques available. The course then goes on to cover:

• The natural flow down of size to effort to cost and schedule when creating an estimate.
• The Function Point Analysis (FPA) technique and how it is used effectively, including understanding the FPA counting process and the types of function points available.
• Mastering Data Element Type (DET) counting using Record Element Type (RET) rules for Internal Logical File (ILF) and External Interface File (EIF) elements, helping to quantify coding requirements.
• Further quantification of coding requirements using File Type Reference (FTR) counting for External Inputs (EI), External Outputs (EO) and External Enquiries (EQ).
• Building a complexity table with an unadjusted function point, before applying the adjusted function point to provide greater clarity of estimates.
• Using Function Point estimates for application, development and enhancement projects.
• Alternative estimating techniques such as Use Case Point estimation, SMC estimation and Planning Poker, as well as the scenarios in which these methods may be used.

The course covers all of these topics in depth, ensuring that students are able to properly estimate software development time frames.

advantages of this course

This seven module course will help students develop a set of valuable project analysis skills that can be used to accurately estimate software development timescales and provide the basis for a proper project plan to be drawn up.

Learners completing the course will benefit from:

• An improved understanding of the software estimation process.
• Mastery of a range of analytical techniques to help apply the right methodology in each case.
• Helping to ensure projects are delivered on time and budget.
• Learning new skills, acquiring experience and developing the confidence that will help software developers better manage projects, or to help them secure a promotion.
• A fully transferable, valuable skill set that will open new career options in software development and project management.

The Software Estimation course is the perfect springboard for software developers who want to improve their career options by adding basic project management skills to their portfolio. Similarly project managers wanting to specialise in software development projects will find accurate estimation techniques an invaluable asset.

• Units of study

Introduction to Software Estimation

• Sizing and Effort Estimation
• Various Estimation Techniques
• Flow down of Size to Effort to Cost and Schedule

Introduction to Function Point Analysis

• History and Introduction to IFPUG FPA
• Brief of Components of FPA
• FPA Counting Process
• Types of Function Points

Components of Function Point Analysis

• Application Boundary
• Counting Scope
• Data Functions (ILF 8: ElF)
• Transaction Functions (EI, EO, EQ)

Counting Rules

• DET 8: RET Counting Rules for ILF 8: ElF
• DET 8: FTR Counting Rules for El, EO and EQ

Summarizing FPA

• Some Tips & Tricks
• Complexity Table and Unadjusted Function Point
• General System Characteristics & Adjusted Function Point

Flavors of Function Points & NESMA

• Recap -Types of FP- Application, Development & Enhancement
• NESMA Technique

Other Estimation Techniques

• Use Case Point Estimation
• SMC Estimation
• Planning Poker