Learn the most popular technique for measuring the functional size of software applications and projects
Description
Every industry needs to measure, estimate and improve productivity, which is calculated by the simple equation 'output divided by input'. From the customers' viewpoint however, the output of the software development process, is the fulfillment of functional user requirements, a somewhat abstract artifact. Functional size measurement is the family of techniques used to determine this measure of output and this workshop teaches participants the Function Point Analysis technique as currently defined by the International Function Point User Group, the design authority. The course is designed for anyone who needs to understand the size of software requirements, for the purposes of estimating, scope control, and progress tracking or performance measurement. This knowledge is a pre-requisite to obtaining the Certified Function Point Specialist qualification.
Course Topics
Introduction
The participants' goals. Objectives of the course, the course format and structure.
Foundation & Principles
Why measure? Problems with projects and the commitment process. Characteristics of measures. Using a logical transaction catalogue. FPA work breakdown structure. Definitions. History and uses of FPA.
Sizing Software
FPA and the software product lifecycle. Customer and purpose. The application boundary. How to make the base counts. Logical transactions. Data element types. Calculating functional size.
Adjusting for Quality
Factors that introduce complexity. How to evaluate and adjust the problem size.
Choosing the Boundary
Functionality delivered to users. Different views, different sizes. Partitioned systems. Reused components.
Measure for a Purpose
Original development. Preventative, corrective, adaptive and perfective maintenance. The application size and the size of a project.
Sizing Installed Applications
Physical files and logical models. Deriving an equivalent logical model. Sizing batch flows. Sizing GUIs and windows.
Using FPA in Estimating
Early size estimation. Worktime Distribution Model. Effort, duration, and staffing profiles.
Workshop
Practical application of the techniques to the participants own project material. Resolution of issues.
Summary
Conclusions, questions, answers and action plans.
Format
A practical course that gives participants an understanding of the fundamental principles of software measurement using IFPUG FPA and an ability to utilise those principles to understand, manage and measure software requirements. Based on a customer oriented view of software it provides a quantitative approach to negotiating and managing requirements.
Price
In-house Courses £3000 GBP + VAT per in house 2 day session (up to 8 delegates)
Public Course £ 750 GBP + VAT per person (public seminar)
Sizing E-commerce Applications An advanced workshop for practitioners wishing to apply functional size measurement to internet-based solutions
Related Services
Applying Software Metrics
Data Collection
Services for identifying, collecting and checking measurements.
Starting a Measurement Programme
A measurement programme is part of a means to an end (one or more business objectives). To deliver any benefit the objective(s) must be clearly understood first and then the measurement programme must be designed to support them.
Supporting a Measurement Programme
Once successfully started, there are various activities required to keep the measurement programme operating effectively and the results relevant.
Assessing Capability
Functional Sizing Audits
To ensure that the selected functional sizing method is being used to produce reliable consistent results.
Estimating and Risk
Estimating Size
Estimating Size from detailed requirements and detailed designs.
Measuring Requirements and Changes
Measuring the functional size of change requests and estimating their impact in terms of cost, duration, effort etc.
Performance Measurement and Analysis
A range of services to help organisations determine what measures, data collection and analysis techniques are appropriate.
Benchmarking
An accepted technique used to calculate and improve organisational performance with respect to appropriate benchmarks.
Sourcing
Contract Management
A set of processes for management of the work subcontracted to those suppliers, to ensure compliance and ameliorate the issues and risks involved.
Planning and Supplier Selection A reliable process for identfying a suitable supplier or suppliers for given packages of work. This also identifies issues or risks to the work that may be a consequence of using each supplier.
Tools and Techniques
IFPUG Function Point Analysis
The original method of sizing, it is currently at version 4. This method is still the most widely used and works well in the business/MIS domain. It is applicable to object oriented developments.
Issues with IFPUG Counting Practices Version 4
Function Points is referred to as a measurement. It is important to realise it is a statistical measure. Function point counters are not measuring systems so much as statistically sampling them
Using
Measures to Understand Requirements Many approaches fashionable with technically-oriented practitioners clearly fail to satisfy the need for clarity of requirements. Some even trade short-term acceleration for long-term maintenance & support costs. What is missing? What can be done to ensure that new technologies help rather than hinder? This paper suggests some simple process improvements that might have made all the difference in a number of cases.
Software Size Measurement
Undergoing a renaissance, Functional Size Measurement is applicable thorughout the development, maintenance and support lifecycles.
Software Measurement Services Ltd.
124 High Street,
Edenbridge,
Kent,
TN8 5AY
United Kingdom
