Function Points 101

If your organization is interested in folding Function Point Analysis into your planning, StoneHenge Partners can help. We offer a 12-hour course at  which attendees will be taught FPA basics. Attendees will learn:

  • Basic counting practice rules and terminology
  • How to apply basic function point counting techniques
  • The impact different environments and complexity factors may have on project estimates
  • How to utilize function points to estimate the effort and cost of a software development project
  • The role of function points in an overall metrics program

The training is presented by Wayne Wild, CFPS, the only Certified Function Point Specialist in Oklahoma by the International Function Point Users Group. In the past 4 years, Wild has sized 48 projects with a total count of 11,753 Function Points for 32 clients in 25 industries, using 5 different technology platforms and primary programming languages.

Here is a look at a typical three-day session. The curriculum can be adapted to fit your organization's needs.

Session #1 - Overview (3 -4 hrs):

  • FPA history
  • Presentation, "10 Steps to Starting a Successful FPA Program"
  • Impact of FPA on StoneHenge's Software Development Methodology- The Nimble℠ Method
  • Scope Management
  • Industry Metrics
  • Key Project Metrics
  • Lessons Learned
  • FPA Introduction

Optional after Class Reading: FP Counting Practices Manual (Part 1/Chpt 1 - 7 which is 69 pages)

Session #2 - FPA 101(3-4 hrs):

  • Function Point Counting
    • Scope & Application Boundary
    • Data Element Types, File Types Referenced & Record Element Types
    • Count Data Functions with a Reference Card
    • Count Transactional Functions with a Reference Card
  • General System Characteristics
  • Calculate Adjusted Function Point Count
  • Component Diagram
  • Quiz

Optional homework to review the Application Requirements for Exercise #1 & count the Function Points. (This should take less than 2 hrs.)

Session #3 - FPA Case Study (3-4 hrs):

  • Review Exercise #1's Application Requirements documentation
  • As a group, create a Component Diagram
  • Load results into the Function Point Count Summary Spreadsheet
  • Brief review of other Counting Tools available; ie. FP Workbench, Construx Software
  • Brief review of CFPS Process & Requirements

Optional after-class Exercise #2 - Complete it and turn in for additional practice counting function points. The instructor will evaluate your count and give you a copy of the correct answer.

Class materials include: Notebook w/copies of all slides, An IFPUG Counting Practice Manual & Reference Card, two case study exercises & a soft copy of the StoneHenge Function Point Count Summary Spreadsheet.

Next steps

For more information, or to discuss a Function Point class customized to fit your company, contact us.

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