Research And Practice On The Consistency Of COSMIC

COSMIC is a common functional point measurement method. We found that there is a big difference in measurement result which can not meet the requirement of the user in practice. This paper is focused on the method of control of the consistency in COSMIC.The software measurement field aim to increase the consistency of the measurement. Consistency and stable and repeatable measurement result is significant for Software Project Management. However, the popular measurement method such as COSMIC exists an inherent weakness and application problem in practice, It is difficult to achieve an consistent result which can meet the user. Based on these weakness and problems, The method on which can improve the consistency of the measurement is seek for in this paper.The main work in this paper includes:1. Summarize two inconsistencies phenomenon in measurement process. By the analysis contrast measurement report, inconsistencies phenomenon is concluded to two classes: One is difference of measurement results, the other is measurement results are same but internal data is different. Sometimes the difference ratio of two inconsistencies phenomenon may be close to 40% of the measurement result.2. The factor that affect measurement consistency is proposed. By the analysis contrast measurement report, the reason that cause the inconsistencies is analyzed, the important factor that affect measurement consistency is discussed, the five main factor that affect measurement consistency is proposed: structure factor,functional process factor,object-interested factor,requirement document factor,professional knowledge factor. Then, the importance and difficulty of consistency factor are respectively illustrated.3. Control method of consistency is proposed. By analyzing key conception and principle of consistency factor, the affect mechanism of consistency factor is illustrated. By combined with practical experience, simple and practical consistency control method is respectively proposed to each consistency factor.4. Check validity of consistency control method. Proof scheme of consistency factor is designed; three groups measurement staff are selected to carry out the verification. By contrast analysis of technology factor,nontechnology factor and composite application, validity of consistency control method in this paper is proved. Results indicate that consistency control method possess strongly practical value.