A model for estimating SCM audit effort with key characteristic sensitivity analysis

Abstract

Software Configuration Management auditing is the fourth of four sub processes recommended by the IEEE and the ACM in the area of SCM. Little guidance is offered in the area of estimation. This paper proposes an initial model for estimating overall system Configuration Items size and effort that might be required to execute the audit. The model is built from formulae and other input from other studies of Empirical Software Engineering and is therefore theoretical. A second part of the study tests the sensitivity to the parameters of white box/structural testing, organizational competence in CMMi level 3 and above and usage of automation in SCM auditing. It is an initial study aimed at discovering the extent of potential impact of certain environment characteristics on the level of effort required to execute the audit.