| Author: | Leung, Man-hei |
| Title: | Cost estimation model for software development with COTS components |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2000 |
| Subject: | Computer software -- Reusability Computer software -- Development Cost estimates Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Computing |
| Pages: | v, 93 leaves : ill. ; 31 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) components are developed for particular domains and sell in the market. Software developers can purchase these components to replace self-developed modules and integrate them into a software system. The objective is to save effort and time. Software development with COTS components is rather new and it is becoming popular. The development method is different from the traditional one so most software development techniques should be reviewed for suitability. Cost estimation model is one of them. An accurate cost estimation model can help the developer to estimate the resources spent in the development for budgetary and control purposes. As software development with COTS is new, only a few cost models have been developed. In this study, a cost estimation model for software development with COTS components is proposed. The COTS development cycle is assumed to be similar to the traditional waterfall model but a new phase, "COTS selection" phase, is added. This cost model is based on statistical data and activity-based approach, which ensures that the effort spent on each development phase is accountable. The total development cost is the sum of effort spent in each phase of development cycle. After the cost model is derived, different set of data are substituted into the cost formula to examine the characteristics of the model. The key finding is that software development with COTS is not always cheaper than development with traditional development cycle. Moreover, if more components are evaluated, more effort is spent and the development cost will increase. The effort saving in using COTS components may not compensate the effort spent in selecting COTS. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b15176666.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.09 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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