This work has presented a sequence of steps where a
functional sizing metric (i.e. UCP) was used to support not
only the planning processes but also the monitoring and
controlling processes. A tool has been developed in order to
demonstrate that the sequence of steps can be automated
and provide an easier usage of the technique. Three
techniques were considered: the Use Case Points,
COCOMO II and EVA. It was shown that through
functional sizing metric it is possible to calculate the effort
and the development costs, providing the inputs to planning
and control processes of the software project.
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As described by Barry Boehm [7] and partially observed in
this work, the model COCOMO II is adjusted to RUP and
PMBoK through the artifacts produced along the project,
therefore our proposal can be used in the phases and
activities of software development and processes of project
management. Moreover, the model is adaptable to different
project technical characteristics.
Some future work includes: 1) carry out a benchmarking
study to compare Use Case Points with the technique
Function Point Analysis in order to identify the advantages
and disadvantages of each technique, 2) ) to improve the
add-in to generate XML files according to different
schedule tools available, for instance, GanttProject could be
used.
As final considerations, in accordance with the authors’
experience, the use of functional sizing metric in
development projects is still difficult due to the amount of
data for tracking, lack of integration between processes and
techniques, and difficulty of understanding and use of the
processes, techniques and tools. These difficulties must be
added to the usually existing problems, as those originating
from requirements analysis, configuration and change
management, implementation and tests. So we hope that our
proposal can be used in an effective manner to help to
accomplish successful software projects.