Analyzing the Impact of Different Factors on Software Cost Estimation in Today’s Scenario

Abstract

Software cost estimation is a main concern of the software industry. However, the fact is also that in today’s scenario, software industries are more interested in other issues like new technologies in the market, shorter development time, skill shortage etc. They are actually deviating from critical issues to routine issues. Today, people expect high quality products at very low costs and same is the goal of software engineering. An accuracy in software cost estimation has a direct impact on company’s reputation and also affects the software investment decisions. Accurate cost estimation can minimize the unnecessary costs and increase the productivity and efficiency of the company. The objective of this paper is to identify the existing methods of software cost estimation prevailing in the market and analyzing some of the important factors impacting the software cost estimation process. In order to achieve the objective, a survey was conducted to find out: ● Nature of projects that companies prefer. ● Impact of training on employees in software cost estimation. ● How many people review the estimated cost? ● How much risk buffer the company keeps for future prospects?