ITPEC FE Morning October 2018 Question 54

Function Point Method — a parametric cost estimation technique that calculates project size based on countable system elements and their complexity.

The Function Point (FP) method builds an objective estimate by counting specific system elements — input files, output files, screens, queries, and external interfaces — and weighting each by complexity (simple, average, complex). The result is a numeric score (function points) that correlates with development effort.

Correct answer: c) Function point method

• •It uses a parametric model: a defined formula converts element counts and complexity weights into a size metric
• •It focuses on each element size and system complexity, exactly as described in the question
• •The estimate is objective — based on measurable attributes, not expert judgment

Why not the others:

• •a) Analogous estimating — relies on historical data from similar past projects; it is a top-down, expert-judgment approach, not a parametric model
• •b) Bottom-up estimating — decomposes the project into small work packages and sums their individual estimates; thorough but not parametric
• •d) Three-point estimating — uses optimistic (O), most likely (M), and pessimistic (P) values to calculate a weighted average (PERT formula: (O + 4M + P) / 6); addresses uncertainty, not system element sizing

Key rule: When a question mentions parametric model + element size + system complexity → Function Point method. When it mentions past project similarity → Analogous. When it mentions three scenarios (optimistic/pessimistic) → Three-point (PERT).

AI-generated — may contain errors