Background:

Existing tools and practices for software cost estimation are to a large extent algorithm-based, i.e. based on the belief that there are stable relationships between size measures and development effort. Research performed at Simula challenges traditional estimation techniques, and indicates that judgment-based estimation, for example performed by groups of expert, produces better results. However, it is still unclear how this research translate to concrete practices, and possibly tools, usable in the IT-industry.

The master topic will explore this issue, by systematically retrieving evidence from existing research on judgment-based estimation, and attempt to translate this evidence into practical guidelines and tool design.

What you will do:

In the first step, you will identify relevant literature, retrieve findings relevant to the topic and assess the strength of the evidence.

In the second step, you will propose translations of the evidence into recommended practices (possibly with tool support)

In the third step, you will illustrate your ideas by building prototypical tools or process guides

What you will learn:

You will

• gain insight into a critical discipline within software engineering (cost estimation).
• learn how to benefit for systematical analysis of scientific literature
  
• gain experience in improving software engineering practices