A bayesian belief network cost estimation model that incorporates cultural and project leadership factors

In this study an analysis is performed in order to explore whether and how culture and leadership factors have an impact on the accuracy of software effort and cost estimation. A survey on software development projects within government departments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was undertaken. A Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) cost estimation model incorporating organizational and intercultural factors was developed and evaluated. The results indicated that the inclusion of such data into explanatory estimation models such as BBNs could provide useful information and increase the accuracy of final estimates.