A5: Internal Quality Attributes
Function Points: a tool for estimating "functional size".

1. Problems

1. (10 points) Consider the following informal requirements for a system (this example is taken from the Fenton and Bieman text):

   The system processes various commands from the operator of a chemical plant. The most important commands are:

   1. Calculate and display average temperature for a specified reactor for the day period.
   2. Calculate and display average pressure for a specified reactor for the day period.
   3. Calculate and display a summary of the temperature and pressure averages.

   The operator can also choose to send the results to an urgent bulletin board if necessary.

   Compute both the unadjusted and adjusted function-point count for this system, stating carefully any assumptions you are making.

2. (10 points) Fenton & Bieman Ch. 8, problem # 5, p 367:

   For the specification in Figure 8.2 (p. 353), experiment with different possible values of TCF and different complexity weightings ranging from the lowest to highest possible values to see how FP may vary from the value 59 in Example 8.13 (p. 354). How does this variation scale up for systems involving hundreds or thousands of inputs, outputs and interfaces?

   Hint: Explain, or show, the maximum and minimum FP values that would result from the maximum and minimum weightings. Also show how these weightings affect FP values as the number of inputs, outputs, and interfaces increase.

2. Submission

• Submit your answers in one PDF file called a5.pdf.
• Put your name at the top of the each page.
• Important Reminder: You may use material from the book or other sources in your answers. However, you must cite your sources properly. Any verbatim quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks, with page numbers indicated. You will receive severe point deductions if you use material from the text or other sources that is not properly cited.