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Technical Complexity Factors

Technical Complexity Factors (TCFs) are used in the Use Case Metrics estimation technique.

The EABase.eap model contains a default set of TCFs, which you can add to or modify using the Estimation Factors dialog. This set of factors should include all factors that could affect the technical complexity of the project environment.

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

How to:

To maintain Technical Complexity Factors, follow the steps below:

Step

Action

See also

1

On the Technical Complexity Factors tab, either:

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

 

2

In the Factor Number field, type the appropriate TCF number

 

3

In the Description field, type or edit the TCF description

 

4

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

This indicates how much technical complexity you assign to a factor; for example, the system is to be developed in ADA might warrant a higher weight than the system is to be a shell script

 

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

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

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

Environment Complexity Factors

Notes:

  • The TCF 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 Technical Complexity Factors between models, using Export Reference Data and Import Reference Data

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