Are use case points really an effective way of estimation software projects?
Use case modeling is a very popular and widely used method for developing functional requirements for software systems however, use case points are still relatively new. There are several studies published by Bente Anda, which discuss the reliability of use case points for software estimation. In her study, “Comparing Effort Estimates Based on Use Case Points with Expert Estimates,” use case points estimates were actually closer to the actual effort than those produced by software developers. The study showed that over 70% of the estimates produced were closer to the actual estimates than those used by traditional methods. Use case points are not meant to replace traditional estimation efforts, but are meant to supplement the effort. Use case point estimates are generated early in the lifecycle – much earlier than traditional methods.
