An evaluation of effort estimation supported by change impact analysis in agile software development. Issue 5 (4th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanveer, Binish; Vollmer, Anna Maria; Braun, Stefan; Ali, Nauman bin
• Other Names: O'Connor Rory V. guestEditor.; Houston Dan guestEditor.; Hebig Regina guestEditor.; Kuhrmann Marco guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of software. Volume 31:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-04-04
• Subjects: agile -- case study -- change impact analysis -- effort estimation -- expert‐based; Software engineering -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Development -- Periodicals; Software maintenance -- Periodicals; 005.1
• DOI: 10.1002/smr.2165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-7473

Abstract

Abstract: In agile software development, functionality is added to the system in an incremental and iterative manner. Practitioners often rely on expert judgment to estimate the effort in this context. However, the impact of a change on the existing system can provide objective information to practitioners to arrive at an informed estimate. In this regard, we have developed a hybrid method, that utilizes change impact analysis information for improving effort estimation. We also developed an estimation model based on gradient boosted trees (GBT). In this study, we evaluate the performance and usefulness of our hybrid method with tool support and the GBT model in a live iteration at Insiders Technologies GmbH, a German software company. Additionally, the solution was also assessed for perceived usefulness and understandability in a study with graduate and post‐graduate students. The results from the industrial evaluation show that the proposed method produces more accurate estimates than only expert‐based or only model‐based estimates. Furthermore, both students and practitioners perceived the usefulness and understandability of the method positively. Abstract : A hybrid method is developed that utilizes change impact analysis information for improving effort estimation. An estimation model is also developed. The performance and usefulness of hybrid method and the estimation model are evaluated at a German software company. The solution was also assessed for usefulness and understandability with graduate and post‐graduate students. Results showed that the method produces more accurate estimates than only expert‐based or only model‐based estimates. Both students and practitioners perceived the usefulness and understandability positively.