Estimating software costs

Deliver bug-free software projects on schedule and within budget Get a clear, complete understanding of how to estimate software costs, schedules, and quality using the real-world information contained in this comprehensive volume. Find out how to choose the correct hardware and software tools, develop an appraisal strategy, deploy tests and prototypes, and produce accurate software cost estimates. Plus, you'll get full coverage of cutting-edge estimating approaches using Java, object-oriented methods, and reusable components. Plan for and execute project-, phase-, and activity-level cost estimations Estimate regression, component, integration, and stress tests Compensate for inaccuracies in data collection, calculation, and analysis Assess software deliverables and data complexity Test design principles and operational characteristics using software prototyping Handle configuration change, research, quality control, and documentation costs  "Capers Jones' work offers a unique contribution to the understanding of the economics of software production. It provides deep insights into why our advances in computing are not matched with corresponding improvements in the software that drives it. This book is absolutely required reading for an understanding of the limitations of our technological advances." --Paul A. Strassmann, former CIO of Xerox, the Department of Defense, and NASA Table of contents Foreword Preface AcknowledgmentsSection 1 Introduction to Software Cost EstimationChapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 The Origins of Software Cost EstimationChapter 3 Six Forms of Software Cost EstimationChapter 4 Software Cost Estimating Tools and Project Success and Failure RatesChapter 5 Sources of Error in Software Cost EstimationSection 2 Preliminary Estimation MethodsChapter 6 Manual Software Estimating MethodsChapter 7 Manual Software Estimating Methods Derived from Agile Projects and NewChapter 8 Automated Estimates from Minimal DataSection 3 Sizing Software DeliverablesChapter 9 Sizing Software DeliverablesSection 4 Cost Estimating Adjustment FactorsChapter 10 Compensation and Work-Pattern AdjustmentsChapter 11 Activity Pattern Adjustment FactorsChapter 12 Software Technology Adjustment FactorsSection 5 Activity-Based Software EstimatingChapter 13 Estimating Software RequirementsChapter 14 Estimating Software PrototypesChapter 15 Estimating Software Specifications and DesignChapter 16 Estimating Design InspectionsChapter 17 Estimating Programming or CodingChapter 18 Estimating Code InspectionsChapter 19 Estimating Software Configuration Control and Change ManagementChapter 20 Estimating Software TestingChapter 21 Estimating User and Project DocumentationChapter 22 Estimating Software Project ManagementSection 6 Maintenance and Enhancement Cost EstimatingChapter 23 Maintenance and Enhancement EstimatingChapter 24 Software Cost-Estimating Research Issues Index