CLB 023

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CLB 023 Software Cost Estimating
(Last Modified:07-Oct-2014)

Description

The Software Cost Estimating module provides an overview of the Software Cost Estimating (SCE) process and highlights key issues. The module comprises the five steps of preparation and review of a software cost estimate: Develop Scope and Approach, Collect and Analyze Data, Develop Estimate Methodology, Consider Risk and Uncertainty and Document and Present the Estimate; also presented are those questions managers should ask at each step to ensure a realistic and defendable estimate.

Objectives

This module consists of the five steps that are typically involved in Software Cost Estimating. To ensure cost estimation is realistic and defendable, we include questions that managers should ask within each step. Steps and associated objectives are:

Step 1: Define the System and Cost Drivers

Identify the purpose and use of a software cost estimate

Interpret a Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD)

Identify cost estimating ground rules and assumptions

Ensure that the estimate is based upon the program's Cost Element Structure (CES) and/or Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Compare different contract types as they impact cost

Step 2: Collect and Analyze Data

Recognize how to identify, collect, analyze, and normalize data

Step 3: Select a Model

Compare and contrast parametric, analogous, and engineering estimate models

Identify the constraints that determine the methodology, necessary Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs), and models used in a cost estimate

Determine when off-the-shelf cost models are appropriate for use

Step 4: Develop and Test the Estimate

Review the software cost estimate

Analyze the final cost estimate for reasonableness and completeness

Identify requirement variables with a degree of uncertainty

Analyze the range of the values for the variables (probability distribution)

Analyze the calculations for their impact on cost, based on the ranges

Determine the validity of a confidence interval

Step 5: Document and Defend the Estimate

Identify the criteria and procedures associated with presenting and defending the cost estimate and analysis

Describe economic analysis

Identify the required supporting documentation for a cost estimate

Target Attendees

The module should prove useful to Cost Estimators, Program Managers, and Systems Engineers.

Prerequisite(s)

None

Predecessor Course(s) (Acceptable as a substitute for this course until the acceptance date specified below.)

Predecessor	Predecessor Course Title	PDS Code	Accepted Until
None	None	None	None

Course Length

Approximately 5 hours to complete

Additional Course Information

Delivery Mode	Continuous Learning
Equivalent Courses	N/A
ACE Recommended Credits	N/A
PDS Code	ZBM
DAU Public (material/prework)	N/A

Continuing Education Units	0
Continuous Learning Points	5
Reservist Retirement Points	1
Historical Allocations	Mouse Over for Past CEU/CLPs

Notes

(Click Here) for the technical requirements for this course.

You have 60 days to complete this course.

This course contains an end of module test that must be passed with a 100% score.

After passing your exam, please be sure to complete the required Module Survey from the Table of Contents. You will not be graduated from the module until you have completed the Survey. If you experience any difficulty in completing the Survey, please contact the DAU Help Desk to ensure that you receive proper credit.