APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE-SIZING TECHNIQUE

Which technique should you select? Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
  • Use your organization’s standardized technique.
  • Use the technique with which you are most familiar and comfortable. If you are not familiar with any of the techniques, consider the following:
    • Try using function points. This technique is by far the most popular and most widely used, but first you need to learn it. Many free, downloadable resources are available on the Internet for self-teaching.
    • Use task-based estimation. This is simply estimating the effort required for each of the components in the work breakdown structure to arrive at the total effort needed for the project.
  • Use the technique your customer has requested or is familiar with.
  • Use the technique for which you have reliable (to the extent possible) productivity data.
  • Use the technique your boss suggests.