Measuring Size for the Development of A Cost Model: A Comparison of Results Based on COSMIC FFP and SLIM Back-Firing Function Points

Research has been initiated to develop a cost model for an outsourcing company which is oriented toward the development and maintenance of management information systems for a large telecommunications company. A measurement process has been implemented to collect post-project data and to develop a cost model for estimation purposes. As an initial step, these data were analyzed using the SLIM metrics tool and the COSMIC FFP method in parallel for the measurement of size. In this paper, the cost models derived from the two methods are presented, compared and discussed for their validity. Results of a short-cut estimation method based on the COSMIC FFP measures are also included. Finally, research avenues emerging from this study are identified.