software-estimationfunction-points

cost estimation in software development project, Function Points?


I have this quick question regarding cost estimation using Function Points.

We are doing a small (course project) project for a small company and it's for free, of course. Our instructor wants us to provide a cost estimate of the project using Function Points.

Computing the Function Points is somewhat straight forward (sort of).

Our problem now is on deriving other values (metrics) e.g. length of project duration, rate for the cost of the project per function points.

Obviously, we don't have historical data to based our estimate on. Is there some sort of "typical" cost per function point that we could follow out there? Please help.


Solution

  • Here are some formulas that Capers Jones devised from relatively high number of counted projects:

    Given you have your FP count you can determine :

    You might go for industry standards for your technology to obtain FP/Person Months or Hours/FP if you don't have historical data (which is your case).