An Improvement of Function Point Models for Software Cost Estimation
Hyeonsu Kim · The Transactions of the Korea Information Processing Society · 1999
There is a strong need to develop a software cost estimation model on economic value perspective. The objective of this research is to improve current software cost estimation method on economic value perspective. We reviewed domestic and foreign researches and practices on software cost estimation with function point method, and derived promising alternative models. Pilot simulation was performed with real project data, and the probable best model was chosen. We collected data from 39 Korean companies, and assesed statistical significance of the model with those data. Empirical data shows that more practical model has better prediction accuracy. That is, the number of input and output modules, the number of tables, and the number of algorithms are chosen to be best set of functions. There exists strong correlation between the calculated function points and project effort. And, the revised set of technical complexity factors and evaluation guidelines show practical usefulness. We suggest that the above result be incorporated in a new improved guideline for software cost estimation. By adopting the results of this research to the guideline, we expect that technology innovation will be expedited, and that overall productivity of software industry will be increased.