Date of Award

12-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

LaRita M. Decker, PhD

Second Advisor

Daniel V. Ferens

Abstract

This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not addressed by current models. A literature search affirmed the validity of both approaches and the methodology. In addition, a standard description of the block change cycle was developed and validated. A prototype estimation model was derived from the COCOMO model and included a unique support calibration. Data was obtained from Air Force Software Support Centers but was unusable, so data was generated from the prototype for the demonstration. A method that was developed to compare the prototype with current models demonstrated that the prototype is an acceptable model.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSS-LAS-93D-7

DTIC Accession Number

ADA275789

Comments

Co-authored thesis.

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

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