IPA IP 2024 Question 49

Topic: Project Management

A question IPA Japan published in 令和6年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問49, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.

Cost estimation methods in a software development project include the bottom-up method, the function point method, and the analogous estimation method. Which of the following is the appropriate combination of the methods used in estimation and the descriptions A through C concerning their characteristics?

AThe individual activities required for the project are identified, and the person-hours for each activity are estimated and totaled.BIt is a method used in the initial stage of a project, and the cost is estimated by making use of past cases.CFocusing on data input/output and functions, the software size is estimated, and the cost is estimated by multiplying it by a coefficient, etc.
OptionBottom-up methodFunction point methodAnalogous estimation method

Explanation

Bottom-up: A, function point: C, analogous: B — match each estimation method to how it arrives at the cost.

  • •Bottom-up method — break the project into its individual activities (a WBS), estimate the person-hours of each and add them up: A
  • •Function point method — count the functions seen from outside (inputs, outputs, files, inquiries), weight them by complexity to get the software size, then convert it to effort and cost with coefficients: C
  • •Analogous estimation method — compare with the actual results of similar past projects; quick and usable in the early stage when details are not yet known: B

Answer (a)

Why not others:

  • •(b) — gives the bottom-up method the past cases of B, which is analogous estimation, and the function point method the activity totals of A
  • •(c) and (d) — give the bottom-up method C: measuring size from data input/output and functions is the function point method, not a sum of activities

Key rule: Bottom-up adds up activities, the function point method measures functions to get size, and analogous estimation leans on similar past projects (early, rough).

Project Management · AI-written, may contain errors

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This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.