Software Effort Estimation Methods Overview

What does Robert C. Anderson suggest about the concept of estimating software development projects?

It is a simple procedure with no complexity
It is a straightforward process understood by many
It is a mystical art known only by a few chosen individuals (correct)
It is a complex discipline well understood by the majority

What is the purpose of science according to Edward de Bono?

To apply existing models in the world
To analyze and describe the world
To create useful models of the world (correct)
To criticize existing models of the world

What is the general trend observed in newly proposed software effort estimation methods?

They are straightforward and easy to implement
They are typically less sophisticated
They are increasingly complex and claim to solve new problems (correct)
They are outdated and irrelevant

How does the author characterize the existing software effort estimation methods?

As mystical and beyond comprehension (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what have most of the software effort estimation methods not done until now?

Gone beyond research and academic applications (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author propose in the chapter regarding existing software effort estimation methods?

A schema for their classification (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for grouping effort estimation methods in Fig. 6.1?

The type of data they use as input (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes proprietary effort estimation methods?

They are not fully documented in the public domain (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why are some estimation approaches not disclosed to the public?

Because of the proprietary character of industrial data (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom DeMarco's quote imply about transportable cost models?

They do not exist for cost forecasting in a specific shop (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is used to group effort estimation methods in Fig. 6.1?

The estimation principle they employ (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing factor of non-proprietary effort estimation methods?

They are fully disclosed in the public domain (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are some estimation algorithms not disclosed to the public according to the text?

Due to the proprietary character of underlying fixed estimation model or industrial data (D) Signup and view all the answers

'Guesstimation', 'Analytic Hierarchy Process', and 'Stochastic Budget Simulation' belong to which group of effort estimation methods?

'Hybrid' group (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom DeMarco's opinion regarding waiting for others to develop cost forecasting formulas?

It is a waste of time and resources (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons for failed estimates according to the text?

Insufficient background of estimators in software estimation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the chapter regarding software effort estimation?

Optimizing software project scope and resources (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying issue with arbitrary selection and blind usage of estimation methods and tools?

Disappointing outcomes with unclear reasons (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic purpose of effort estimation as mentioned in the text?

Optimizing software project scope and resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does corporate management sometimes suggest when discussing effort estimation, according to the text?

"Think of a number and multiply by three" (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is knowledgeable use of estimation methods important according to the text?

To avoid disappointing outcomes in estimation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's opinion on using estimates as internal project targets and providing them to customers as bids?

Estimates should be used as internal project targets but not provided to customers as bids. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is an estimate traditionally considered?

In deterministic terms, as a single value. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about using the most optimistic prediction as an estimate?

It may have fatal consequences in practice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Tom DeMarco, what is a better definition for 'estimate'?

A prediction that is equally likely to be above and below the actual result. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Project Management Institute (2013) define as the estimation objective?

Providing an approximation of the resources needed to complete project activities and deliver outputs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are range estimates proposed in order to account for estimation uncertainty?

By representing estimates by a range and/or distribution of possible effort values. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between point estimates and range estimates?

Point estimates represent a single value, while range estimates represent a range and/or distribution of possible effort values. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author caution against uncritically selecting the most optimistic prediction as an estimate?

Because it may easily result in running a software project into high risk of overrunning initial estimates. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about using estimates in practice?

Use estimates that represent predictions with highest probability of becoming true. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for grouping effort estimation methods according to the text?

Known project risks such as little domain experience of the development team. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What trend does the text observe in newly proposed software effort estimation methods?

The trend of considering estimates in terms of range and/or distribution of possible effort values. (A) Signup and view all the answers