A neuro-fuzzy tool for software estimation

Accurate software estimation such as cost estimation, quality estimation and risk analysis is a major issue in software project management. We present a soft computing framework to tackle this challenging problem. We first use a preprocessing neuro-fuzzy inference system to handle the dependencies among contributing factors and decouple the effects of the contributing factors into individuals. Then we use a neuro-fuzzy bank to calibrate the parameters of contributing factors. In order to extend our framework into fields that lack of an appropriate algorithmic model of their own, we propose a default algorithmic model that can be replaced when a better model is available. Validation using industry project data shows that the framework produces good results when used to predict software cost.