A Study on Paramount Opinions for Software Effort Estimation

Abstract

Effort estimation is the estimation of the number of work hours/ days/weeks/months/years required to complete a particular software project. Every effort estimating technique considers various factors (performance, configuration, transaction rate, stable requirements, reusability, etc.) to provide approximate estimate of effort required. The success or the failure of an estimate depends on the extent to which a factor influences a particular project. This paper Paramount Opinions for Software Effort Estimation analysed factors from various effort estimation tools and techniques and provided a consolidated list of factors that have an influence over effort estimation with the companys‟ project environment. It also analysed the extent of impact of each of these factors and provided suggestions. The factors to be analysed are taken by selecting five tools/techniques that best suited with the company projects and its environment. A consolidated list was constructed from the selected five. The data regarding the level of influence of each factor with a type of project was collected through questionnaires from the company managers. The conclusion of the study has successfully projected out the various influencing factors and the level of influence each has on a software project. The factor analysis has also provided with data on the level of influence of each factor.