Accession Number:

AD0612947

Title:

A SUMMARY OF AN ANALYSIS OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING COST FACTORS.

Descriptive Note:

Technical memo,

Corporate Author:

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CORP SANTA MONICA CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Farr,Leonard
• zagorski,Henry J.

Report Date:

1965-01-25

Pagination or Media Count:

24.0

Abstract:

Results of an exploratory analysis aimed at deriving better cost-estimating relationships for computer programming are presented. Based upon previous work that hypothesized an initial list of factors affecting cost, this report describes the collection and analysis of data for the purpose of evaluating the presumed factors. Initial equations for estimating costs in terms of such resources as man months and computer hours were derived. However, these prediction devices were evolved from a small and, perhaps, unrepresentative sample of programs. As a result, the equations have large standard errors, i.e., the reliability of an estimate calculated from the equations is low. Therefore, their use is not recommended for actual planning. However, their experimental use is suggested and encouraged. The study demonstrates the usefulness of multivariate regression analysis for deriving programming costestimating relationships. To improve the prediction equations, recommendations are made toward revising the data collection questionnaire, extending the survey to a larger and more representative sample, and broadening the investigation into other needed areas of program development. Author

Descriptors:

• *COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
• COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
• MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING
• OPERATIONS RESEARCH
• STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE