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Function Point Analysis:
Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects
by David Garmus and David Herron

Function Point Analysis: Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects is a comprehensive presentation of the principles of function point analysis (FPA) and a guide to its effective use in managing the development and deployment of software. Written for both information technology (IT) practitioners and managers, it describes how to use this proven-but-underutilized software-sizing metric to achieve successful software projects.

Completely up-to-date, the book introduces the latest rules and guidelines released in the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Counting Practices Manual 4.1.

Function Point Analysis presents fundamental counting techniques for basic-to-advanced technologies. It explains the calculations for determining function point size, an indication of a software application's overall functionality and complexity. Moving beyond mechanics, the book features the most common uses of FPA and reveals experience-based techniques for applying the methodology with success.

The book covers such important topics as:

* An overview of FPA for the IT executive
* A description of software measurement, relating size to other software metrics
* Sizing data and transactional functions
* The application of general system characteristics
* Counting object-oriented, Web-based, client-server, and GUI applications
* Becoming a Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS), using a practice exam
* The use of FPA for accurate project estimating, development
* The use of FPA for maintenance outsourcing, and performance productivity baselining
* FPA automation tools - function point repository tools and function point- based project estimation tools
* The role of FPA in standardizing industry benchmarking data

Numerous detailed examples and case studies demonstrate the FPA methodology in action. As a reference, tutorial, and practical guide, Function Point Analysis: Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects raises the level of awareness and understanding of FPA and its role in bringing proven quality standards to the software development industry!

 

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IT Measurement:
Practical Advice from the Experts
by International Function Point Users Group

The accurate, quantitative measurement of software quality and process performance is rapidly becoming an essential part of competition in the ever-tightening software marketplace. Software metrics provide insights into productivity and quality gains from improvements in skill, technology, and development methodology. An effective metrics program helps practitioners assemble the best team, select the optimal development methodology, and enhance the quality of a software product. In short, metrics enable software developers to pursue proven, successful strategies, and to change course when metrics point to less-than-optimum quality or productivity.

Written by the world's leading authorities in the field, IT Measurement showcases state-of-the-art in software metrics and provides the practical knowledge that practitioners need in order to take full advantage of software metrics technology. The book's collected articles offer important perspectives on the role of metrics in the development process, and show how metrics directly enhance software quality and output efficiency.

The book explores several vital areas, including Function Point Analysis, project estimation and management, outsourcing, statistical process control, and more. These articles range from basic theory to the sophisticated application of metrics. Specific topics covered include:

* The expanding role of function point metrics
* Work output measurement for IT work units
* The use of metrics for tracking
* Enhanced estimation with metrics
* Metrics in outsourcing
* Standardization of SLOC
* The application of SPC to performance management
* Functional metrics in B2B e-commerce project success

Enlightening and pragmatic, IT Measurement will help you gain a deeper understanding of software metrics and the ability to apply concrete measures in order to objectively evaluate and more finely shape your software development program.