Software Project Estimation Using Improved Use Case Point

Abstract

Estimating metrics, such as effort, schedule and cost, needed for a software to be created and launched into market have significant economical effects. One of the most extensively utilized method for such estimation is a technique called Use Case Points. It is based on the use case modeling which is a popular and widely used technique for capturing and describing the functional requirements of a software system. In this paper multitude number of techniques have been proposed as the basis for improving estimation of the effort, schedule, and costs of software projects. These terms are conceptually similar but utilize different parameter values and metrics. Moreover, different versions of use case points have been proposed. This method suffers some limitations such as less accuracy, failure to consider software risks, failure to consider software quality aspects, failure to consider different levels of software security, and so on. The aim of this paper is to propose a new approach for cost estimation, based on use case points method, by considering all the existing risks related to software projects. The results indicate that the new estimation approach can produce relatively accurate estimates and also declare various aspects of project risks during project estimation. Our results also provide guidance for organizations that want to develop a software project.