An Empirical Study of SW Size Estimation by using Function Point

An accurate estimation of software development size is an important factor in calculating reasonable cost of project development and determining its success. In this study, we propose estimation models, using function point based on the functional correlation between software, with empirical data. Three models($FP_{est}(I)$, $FP_{est}(II)$, $FP_{est}(III)$) are developed with correlation and regression analysis. The validity of the models is evaluated by the significance test by comparing values of Mean Magnitude of Relative Error (MMRE) and predictions of each model at level n%. Model $FP_{est}(III)$ proved to be superior to other models such as IFPC(Indicative Function Point Count), EFPC(Estimated Function Point Count), EPFS(Early Prediction of Function Size), $FP_{est}(I)$, and $FP_{est}(II)$. As a result, the accuracy of the model appears to be very high to determine the usefulness of the model to finally overcome weakness of other estimation models. The model can be efficiently used to estimate project development size including software size or manpower allocation.

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