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The UK Government’s preferred 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 MkII Function Point Analysis technique as currently defined by the United Kingdom Software Metrics Association, 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 Analyst 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 MkII 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)
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| 2 day course
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Project managers, team leaders, development staff, and those who need measures to estimate, manage risk, control contracts and measure performance
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