--Capers Jones, Chief Scientist Emeritus, Software Productivity Research LLC brings together today's most valuable tips, techniques, and best practices for accurately estimating software project efforts, costs, and schedules. Written by a leading expert in the field, it addresses the full spectrum of real-world challenges faced by those who must develop reliable estimates. M. A. Parthasarathy draws on the immense experience of Infosys, one of the world's largest and most respected providers of IT-enabled business solutions, to bring you the only book with detailed guidance on estimating insourced and outsourced software projects, as well as projects that blend both approaches. He demonstrates how to successfully utilize Function Point (FP) methods, the industry's leading estimation model. Then, using real case studies, he systematically identifies pitfalls that can lead to inaccurate estimates--and offers proven solutions. Coverage includes is the definitive reference for anyone who must estimate software projects accurately: project and IT managers, individual developers, system designers, architects, executives, consultants, and outsourcers alike.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Role of Estimation in Software Projects

Chapter 3: A Study of Function Point Analysis

Chapter 4: Data Functions

Chapter 5: Transactional Functions

Chapter 6: General System Characteristics

Chapter 7: Size, Effort, and Scheduling of Projects

Chapter 8: Estimation Flavors

Chapter 9: A Sense of Where You Are

Chapter 10: Tips, Tricks, and Traps

Chapter 11: Insourcing versus Outsourcing

Chapter 12: Key Factors in Software Contracts

Chapter 13: Project Estimation and Costing

Chapter 14: Other Estimation Methods

Chapter 15: Estimation Tools

Chapter 16: Estimation Case Study

Appendix A: Reference Tables: Transaction Function Counts

Appendix B: Reference Tables: Data Function Points