Software Engineering Productivity Measurement using Function Points: A Case Study

Authors

Hai Suan Bok
K. S. Raman, School of Computing, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 117543

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This paper reports on the findings of an empirically based case study of the use of function points analysis (FPA) by the information systems division of a large financial services company. The software engineering productivity figures measured by FPA in this company varied widely across the departments of the division and projects. Investigation of the reasons for the variations showed that, in addition to factors such as the technology platform and application characteristics, organizational and human factors affect the accuracy and reliability of productivity figures. Elucidating the lessons from this case, this paper suggests that three factors – knowledge of the FPA, calibration of the function point productivity indicator and rigour of the measurement process – are critical to the successful implementation of an FPA programme. These findings and the issues identified in the paper will be of interest to academics in the area of software productivity measurement and companies considering FPA as a productivity metric.

DOI

10.1177/026839620001500108

Recommended Citation

Bok, Hai Suan and Raman, K. S. (2000) "Software Engineering Productivity Measurement using Function Points: A Case Study," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 8.
DOI: 10.1177/026839620001500108
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol15/iss1/8