Question:

(a) Describe fully the first five basic steps in software cost estimation.

(b) What are the main differences between COCOMO1 and COCOMO2 cost estimation models?

(c) You are in charge of a team of software engineers who develop a medium size and complexity system. According to COCOMO1 your project can be classified as the "semidetached/moderate" project. You have two options to consider:

Option 1: implementation using a programming language A
Option 2: implementation using a programming language B.

Your initial estimations of the size are as follows: Option 1: 10KDSI Option 2: 15KDSI

The effort multipliers for the intermediate COCOMO1 all have nominal values when using programming language B, but the use of programming language A will increase the two multipliers (LEXP - programming language experience and PLAP - programmer's capability) to 1.3. Assuming that the costs of software engineers amount to Rs 30000 per person per month, which option would you choose? Perform all necessary calculations to justify your decision.

State the relative strengths and weaknesses of the following alternative methods for software cost estimation:

1. Expert judgment 4. Top-down
2. Parkinson 5. Bottom-up