A Parametric Management Tool for Estimating Simulator Software Size.

Abstract

This research investigated the causes of escalating software costs relative to Aircrew Training Devices (simulators) and resulted in a software sizing tool useful in reversing the cost growth trend. The hypothesis was that a collective software sizing estimate, aggregated and stadardized at the functional level, would provide a more reliable estimate of simulator software size. Investigation disclosed that the heuristic sizing techniques being used were inadequate. There was no organized empirical data-base to suport a formalized software sizing process. A software management model called SIMSIZ, including a supporting data-base, was designed and developed. The model's primary function is to assist software engineers in making realistic evaluations of the size of contractor's proposed software packages. It was concluded that a major cause of software program delays has been a growth trend in software size during program development. SIMSIZ has demonstrated that several software project under development are undersized. The researchers recommend establishing a requirement to standardize simulator software development and reporting at the functional level. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA073015

Entities

People

  • Gregory N. Frey
  • Kenneth L. Wildung

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Directories
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Information Systems
  • Management Personnel
  • Navigation
  • Operating Systems
  • Procedures (Computers)
  • Software Development
  • Software Development Tools
  • System Software
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training Devices

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Electrical Engineering