Function Point Analysis
Overview
The purpose of this seminar is to provide a complete and in-depth understanding of the Function Point Analysis technique based on the IFPUG Release 4.1 standard.
The principles of functional size measurement are introduced. The counting rules and practices of evaluating the functional size of new and enhanced software projects are discussed in detail. Several case studies relate the material to different phases of commercial software development. Guidelines are established to conduct Function Point counts, to implement Function Point programs, and to interpret Function Point results. Project management software and estimating tools are reviewed. Error margins, limitations, and alternative software measurement techniques are considered.
Intended For
Those currently involved in software development, including IS management. Particularly relevant to team leaders, project managers, and development managers.
Prerequisites
An understanding of software development processes.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- Understand that Function Points are a measure of software functionality and not a measure of software size or complexity
- Derive from FP the size of planned, installed, or enhanced software by using McConnell's table
- Estimate project effort, duration, and cost through use of FP productivity history
- Compare different software projects in terms of the functionality they offer regardless of their relative sizes and complexities
- Use FP to compare alternative software architectural designs
- Quantify the productivity of their entire software development or enhancement process from the beginning of the requirements phase to the end of the roll-out phase
- Know NOT to use FP to judge any individual’s productivity
- Know NOT to use FP production rates to judge the productivity of a programming team
- Quantify the quality of their software products.
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Content
- Concepts of software measurement
- Quantitative measurement techniques
- Process/product evaluation
- Basic indicators
- Composite indicators
- Benefits
- Introduction to Function Point Analysis
- Principle of Functional Size
- Function types
- Steps of Functional Size Measurement
- Types of Function Point counts
- ISO standard
- Alternative size indicators
- Lines of Code
- Mark II
- COSMIC FFP
- 3D
- FP+
- IFPUG counting rules
- Identification of function types
- Complexity assignment
- Examples
- Measuring existing systems
- Guidelines
- Practices
- OO and GUI applications
- Counting strategies
- Adjusting the initial Function Point count
- Implementation constraints
- General application attributes
- Degree of influence
- Example of Value Adjustment Factor calculation
- Precision of Function Point measurements
- Error margins
- Verification of results
- Actual versus estimated size
- Counting Function Points in maintenance
- Maintenance
- Enhancement
- Enhancement project Function Point count
- Application Function Point count
- Hands-on Cases
- Existing applications
- Planned application
- Enhanced application
- Discussion of sample solutions
- Applying Function Point results
- Work effort
- Evaluating productivity
- Estimating software costs
- Modification of Function Point counts
- Misuse
- Tools
- Benchmarking
- Installing Metric programs
- Function Point experiences
- Selecting indicators
- Certification
- Responsibilities
- Resources
- Key issues
Method Used
The course is a mixture of lectures and practical exercises. Examples of using Function Points are given throughout
