Software Estimation Based on Use Case Size

This paper proposes a new method for estimating software based on the size of each use case. It aims to reduce some limitations of the original Use Case Points method with more objective and accurate estimates. The proposed method uses technical variables that can be measured from a brief description of use cases and related system requirements. The size of each use case of the system is derived from three technical variables: UCTP (Use Case Type Points), NBR (Number of Business Rules) and NUIR (Number of User Interface Requirements). The total size of the project is the sum of use cases sizes adjusted by technical and environmental factors. This method was utilized in the Labor Court of Santa Catarina - Brazil to provide support to the negotiation process with third party companies that outsource software development.

[1]  Scott W. Ambler,et al.  Agile modeling: effective practices for extreme programming and the unified process , 2002 .

[2]  Mike Cohn,et al.  Agile Estimating and Planning , 2005 .

[3]  Kari Känsälä,et al.  Inter-item correlations among function points , 1993, [1993] Proceedings First International Software Metrics Symposium.

[4]  Christof Ebert,et al.  Best Practices in Software Measurement , 2004 .

[5]  Ivar Jacobson,et al.  The Unified Software Development Process , 1999 .

[6]  Larry L. Constantine,et al.  Software for Use - A Practical Guide to the Models and Methods of Usage-Centered Design , 1999 .

[7]  Shinji Kusumoto,et al.  Estimating effort by use case points: method, tool and case study , 2004, 10th International Symposium on Software Metrics, 2004. Proceedings..

[8]  Magne Jørgensen,et al.  Estimating Software Development Effort Based on Use Cases-Experiences from Industry , 2001, UML.

[9]  B. Kitchenham,et al.  Inter-item correlations among function points , 1993, Proceedings of 1993 15th International Conference on Software Engineering.

[10]  Silvia Regina Vergilio,et al.  Software Effort Estimation Based on Use Cases , 2006, 30th Annual International Computer Software and Applications Conference (COMPSAC'06).

[11]  Gustav Karner,et al.  Resource Estimation for Objectory Projects , 2010 .

[12]  Kjetil Moløkken-Østvold,et al.  Using planning poker for combining expert estimates in software projects , 2008, J. Syst. Softw..

[13]  Barbara A. Kitchenham.  The Problem with Function Points , 1997, IEEE Software.

[14]  Mordechai Ben-Menachem,et al.  Writing effective use cases , 2001, SOEN.

[15]  Scott W. Ambler.  The Object Primer , 1995 .

[16]  Roger S. Pressman,et al.  Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach , 1982 .