Tools and Techniques

As an independent consultancy SMS is not tied to using any particular tools or techniques. We recommend, use and teach whichever tools and techniques we feel are best suited for an organisation or given task. These include:

Functional Size Measures

Function Point Analysis, in its various forms, is the only sensible method of measuring and estimating the functional size of software and changes to software. SMS supports and employs the following three methods all of which conform to the ISO Standard for the Functional Size Measurement of Software ISO/IEC 14143:1998 and each has approval as an ISO/IEC standard.

• COSMIC FFP
• MkII FPA
• IFPUG FPA

Planning / Requirements

GQM and Scope study are useful planning / requirements tools to be deployed at the start of a measurement or improvement programme. They are also applicable for re-planning and meeting changing requirements in an established programme.

• GQM (The Goal/Question/Metric Method)
• Scope Study

Analysis

In addition to tools for planning and understanding requirements GAP Analysis uncovers the gaps between current status and a desired set of standards.

• GAP Analysis

Quantitative Modelling

There are a range of models and associated methods which relate the size, cost, duration, staffing profiles etc. for software projects. These can be used to determine likely costs, staffing requirements and duration for a developments or changes of a given size. They can also be used to determine the impact of other constraints such as forcing a project to deliver sooner (schedule compression). SMS supports:

• Task Breakdown
• PNR (Putnam-Norden-Rayleigh)
• COCOMO II (COnstructive COst MOdel)

Capability Models and Standards

These models are useful not only for assessing organisations' capability but also as a framework for measurable improvement:

• CMMI and CMM (The SEI's Capability Maturity Models)
• SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination)
• ISO 9001/2000

Ideas and Communication

To improve the generation and communication of ideas, elicitation of information and transfer of knowledge SMS use, and teach:

• Brainstorming, Facilitation and Mentoring