Training on Function Point Analysis for Software Estimation Techniques

Function Point Analysis (FPA) and  Software Estimation Workshop

What are Function points?

As improvements in coding tools allow software developers to produce larger amounts of software to meet ever-expanding user requirements, a method to understand and communicate size must be used. A structured technique of problem solving, function point analysis is a method to break systems into smaller components, so they can be better understood and analyzed. On a conceptual level, function point analysis helps define two abstract levels of data - data at rest and data in motion.

FPA is a method to break systems into smaller components, so they can be better understood and analyzed. It also provides a structured technique for problem solving. Function Points measure software by quantifying its functionality provided to the user based primarily on the logical design. There are a variety of different methods used to count function point, but this training is based upon those rules adopted by International Function Point User Group (IFPUG).

Course Objective:

The workshop is designed to reinforce the concepts and practices introduced to the participants of the Basic Function Point Analysis course through intensive practical function point counting experience. Materials presented may include actual projects and/or applications from the organization’s own portfolio. By the end of the course, participants will have a working knowledge of the IFPUG rules (CPM 4.2.1) methodology and will have some experience applying rules to their own projects.

Course Description:

The primary objective of this Function Point  Analysis course for software estimation  training is to provide participants with an intensive preparation to count function points. After the first 3 days, two full additional days are dedicated to hands-on counting of projects and applications drawn from your organization’s portfolio. Documentation on these projects is requested in advance of the class so that we can prepare a customized workshop based on them.

The first part of the class begins with a standard IFPUG-certified FPA training with numerous hand-on case studies and examples. We use teaching materials from the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group (ISBSG) and each participant will receive a copy of the ISBSG workbook together with SPR course materials.

 In addition, we include a one-day workshop on Using FP for Estimation and Project Management. This estimation workshop includes use of SPR Knowledge PLAN® and participants receive a 30-day evaluation copy of the software for use after the class.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for the Function Point novice. trainings without any experience in function point counting will obtain a basic introduction to the IFPUG FPA rules from the latest Counting Practices Manual (CPM 4.2.1) and will understand how to apply the rules appropriately to derive function point size.

Course Outline: