Software Estimation Educational Games
COSMIC Chaire philanthropique ETS

Game E - Estimation impact of Project Constraints

Adjustment to the estimation range using a set of 10 project constraints

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Recommended: read "How it works" first

Learning objective

Teach students how to adjust a previously established effort estimation range by incorporating project contraints as additional independent variables, building upon initial estimates derived from functional size and non-functional requirements.

What the player sees

  • A graph showing the linear regression model with equation line and ±MMRE bounds
  • Five effort ranges, each divided into bottom half and top half (10 positions total)
  • An initial estimation position based on NFR analysis
  • Ten scenarios with different combinations of project contraint levels
  • A table of 10 project contraints: TIME, STOR, TURN, ACAP, AEXP, PCAP, LEXP, MODP, TOOL, SCED

What the player does

  1. Review the initial NFR-based estimation position (Range 1-5).
  2. Examine the 10 project contraints and their levels (Low, Nominal, High, Very High).
  3. Calculate the total weight using the weight system.
  4. Apply adjustment criteria to determine the final estimation position.
  5. Select the appropriate position from 1 to 10 (bottom/top half of each range).

Each scenario is answered once and cannot be revisited in the game flow.

Weight system

Each project contraint has an associated weight based on its level. Players sum these weights to determine the adjustment to the initial estimation.

Level Weight Impact on Effort
Low -1 Decreases effort
Nominal 0 Neutral impact
High +1 Increases effort
Very High +2 Strongly increases effort

The 10 project contraints (From COCOMO)

Computer Constraints

  • TIME - Execution time constraint
  • STOR - Main storage constraint
  • TURN - Computer turnaround time

Personnel Constraints

  • ACAP - Analyst capability
  • AEXP - Applications experience
  • PCAP - Programmer capability
  • LEXP - Programming language experience

Process Constraints

  • MODP - Use of modern programming practices
  • TOOL - Use of software tools
  • SCED - Required development schedule

Adjustment decision criteria

The sum of the 10 project contraints weights determines how to adjust the initial NFR estimation range.

Total Weight Range Adjustment Sub-interval Selection
0 Stay in current range Either half (no change)
[-1, -5] Stay in current range Bottom half
[-6, -10] Move down 1 range Top half
[1, 5] Stay in current range Top half
[6, 10] Move up 1 range Bottom half
[11, 15] Move up 1 range Top half
[16, 20] Move up 2 ranges Bottom half

Interpretation

  • Negative totals: project contraints decrease expected effort → move toward lower ranges or bottom halves
  • Positive totals: project contraints increase expected effort → move toward higher ranges or top halves
  • Zero total: project contraints balance out → remain in current range

Answer options (enter a number from 1 to 12)

For each scenario, the player answers the following question: "After considering these additional project contraints, which estimation position would you choose?"

1
Range 1 - Bottom half
Above +MMRE (lower portion)
2
Range 1 - Top half
Above +MMRE (upper portion)
3
Range 2 - Bottom half
Equation to +MMRE (lower portion)
4
Range 2 - Top half
Equation to +MMRE (upper portion)
5
Range 4 - Bottom half
Equation to -MMRE (lower portion)
6
Range 4 - Top half
Equation to -MMRE (upper portion)
7
Range 5 - Bottom half
Below -MMRE (lower portion)
8
Range 5 - Top half
Below -MMRE (upper portion)
9
Range 1 (entire)
Above +MMRE (full range)
10
Range 2 (entire)
Equation to +MMRE (full range)
11
Range 4 (entire)
Equation to -MMRE (full range)
12
Range 5 (entire)
Below -MMRE (full range)

Teaching notes

This game builds on estimation fundamentals by introducing effort adjustment based on project constraints beyond product requirements.

Suggested use in class

  • Review the concept of initial NFR-based estimation as a starting point
  • Explain how project contraints (computer, personnel, process) influence effort
  • Have students work through weight calculations step-by-step
  • Discuss scenarios where project contraints offset each other (mixed weights)
  • Emphasize the precision gained by using half-intervals

What to evaluate

  • Accuracy of weight calculation (correct sum of 10 project contraints)
  • Correct application of adjustment criteria
  • Understanding that adjustments can move ranges or stay within range
  • Recognition of the cumulative effect of multiple project contraints

Downloads & documentation

Access game files, manuals, and supporting resources.

Questionnaire: game-e-questionnaire.html

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