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Software Project Effort Estimation Based on Multiple Parametric Models Generated Through Data Clustering

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Abstract

Parametric software effort estimation models usually consists of only a single mathematical relationship. With the advent of software repositories containing data from heterogeneous projects, these types of models suffer from poor adjustment and predictive accuracy. One possible way to alleviate this problem is the use of a set of mathematical equations obtained through dividing of the historical project datasets according to different parameters into subdatasets called partitions. In turn, partitions are divided into clusters that serve as a tool for more accurate models. In this paper, we describe the process, tool and results of such approach through a case study using a publicly available repository, ISBSG. Results suggest the adequacy of the technique as an extension of existing single-expression models without making the estimation process much more complex that uses a single estimation model. A tool to support the process is also presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, The University of Alcalá, Alcalá, Spain

    Juan J. Cuadrado Gallego, Daniel Rodríguez, Miguel Ángel Sicilia & Miguel Garre Rubio

  2. Department of Computer Science, Carlos III University, Madrid, Spain

    Angel García Crespo

Authors
  1. Juan J. Cuadrado Gallego
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  2. Daniel Rodríguez
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  3. Miguel Ángel Sicilia
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  4. Miguel Garre Rubio
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  5. Angel García Crespo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Juan J. Cuadrado Gallego.

Additional information

This work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology under Grant No. CICYT TIN2004-06689-C03.

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Gallego, J.J.C., Rodríguez, D., Sicilia, M.Á. et al. Software Project Effort Estimation Based on Multiple Parametric Models Generated Through Data Clustering. J Comput Sci Technol 22, 371–378 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11390-007-9043-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11390-007-9043-5

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