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Environment Complexity Factors

Environment Complexity Factors (ECFs) are used in the Use Case Metrics estimation technique.

The EABase.eap model contains a default set of ECFs, which you can add to or modify using the Estimation Factors dialog. This set of factors should include all factors that could affect the general design and development environment, including team experience and knowledge, team size, expertise and other non-functional environmental factors.

Access:    Settings | Project Types | Estimation Factors > Environment Complexity Factors

How to:

To maintain Environment Complexity Factors, follow the steps below:

Step

Action

See also

1

On the Environment Complexity Factors tab, either:

  • Click on the New button to add another ECF, or
  • Click on the required factor in the Defined Environment Types list to edit it (go to step 3)

 

2

In the Factor Number field, type the appropriate ECF number

 

3

In the Description field, type or edit the ECF description

 

4

In the Weight field, type or edit the environment complexity weighting

This indicates how much complexity you assign to a factor

 

5

In the Value field, type or edit a value representing  the degree of influence the  factor has on the project

As a suggested gauge:

  • 0 indicates no influence
  • 3 indicates average influence
  • 5 indicates strong influence

 

6

Click on the Save button

 

7

Examine the Defined Environment Types list, and scroll across it to show the Ex Value column (Weight x Value)

The summed Ex Values yield the Unadjusted ECF value (at the bottom of the dialog)

The Unadjusted ECF value is combined with the Technical Complexity Factors to skew the overall complexity up or down, depending on the level of technical complexity and the corresponding level of environmental support

Technical Complexity Factors

Notes:

  • The ECF Weight evaluates its respective factor, but is irrelevant to a project; the Value field assesses each factor's role within a project and, for most purposes, is the only field requiring adjustment
  • The supplied factors and their associated weights are defined by the Use Case Points Method, although they can be adjusted to suit a project's specific requirements
  • You can transport the Environment Complexity Factors between models, using Export Reference Data and Import Reference Data

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