Estimating change effort using a combination of change impact analysis technique with function point analysis

Abstract

Software effort estimation is one of the methods that can help software project manager in making decision whether to accept or reject requirement changes. Many methods have been developed and Function Point Analysis is one of the methods that is used for software maintenance phase. Looking from software development phase, FPA method faces a challenge on performing estimation when the non-developed software artifacts exists (some of the classes are fully developed; partially developed; and not developed yet). This research aims to develop a method that improves the estimation accuracy through combination of Function Point Analysis method with Change Impact Analysis technique. An evaluation was conducted using two selected case studies where a significant accuracy achievement is achieved.