Overcoming limitations of software cost estimation (SCE) models: an innovative SCE model

Accurate software development estimation continues to be a difficult problem for government and industry. Accuracy is determined by measuring the difference between the estimated cost and the actual cost. The literature contains abundant documentation of automation projects exceeding original costs and schedule estimates. Unexpected budget increases and schedule delays reduce sponsor confidence in the original software development estimates and damage the reputation of the estimation process. In this paper, authors are involved in conceptualizing a model that will overcome some of the limitations cited in this paper. The alternative technique is to develop a model unique to a particular environment, which should more accurately reflect that environment. A number of studies suggest that local models are more accurate than all-purpose models. Studies have shown that most organizations that have built up a considerable database over time, generally have a history of software management, and would have a custom model in place as opposed to deploying a generic one.