Abstract
To make reasonable estimates of resources, costs, and schedules, software project managers need to be provided with models that furnish the essential framework for software project planning and control by supplying important “management numbers” concerning the state and parameters of the project that are critical for resource allocation. Understanding that software development is not a “mechanistic” process brings about the realization that parameters that characterize the development of software possess an inherent “fuzziness,” thus providing the rationale for the development of realistic models based on fuzzy set or neural theories.
Fuzzy and neural approaches offer a key advantage over traditional modeling approaches in that they aremodel-free estimators. This article opens up the possibility of applying fuzzy estimation theory and neural networks for the purpose of software engineering project management and control, using Putnam's manpower buildup index (MBI) estimation model as an example. It is shown that the MBI selection process can be based upon 64 different fuzzy associative memory (FAM) rules. The same rules are used to generate 64 training patterns for a feedforward neural network. The fuzzy associative memory and neural network approaches are compared qualitatively through estimation surfaces. The FAM estimation surfaces are stepped, whereas those from the neural system are smooth. Also, the FAM system sets up much faster than the neural system. FAM rules obtained from logical antecedent-consequent pairs are maintained distinct, giving the user the ability to determine which FAM rule contributed how much membership activation to a “concluded” output.
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Kumar, S., Krishna, B.A. & Satsangi, P.S. Fuzzy systems and neural networks in software engineering project management. Appl Intell 4, 31–52 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00872054
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00872054