Calibrating estimation tools for software development

Abstract

Desired improvement in the software process and product has given rise to greater use of quantitative managment techniques in software development. The use of algorithmic-based software cost estimation tools has been a part of this movement. This paper uses data collected from six commercial organisations on 112 software projects to investigate the extent to which organisations need to calibrate these tools to their own environment. It is found that calibration is mandatory if reasonable accuracy is to be obtained from the tools.