A software metric for cost estimation and efficiency measurement in data processing system development
Abstract The three basic structural elements of a data processing system are shown to be files, flows, and processes. A metric for the size of a data processing system is introduced which is a function of the number of files, flows, and processes of the system. The validity and reliability of this metric are demonstrated. It is shown how the metric may be used to estimate the cost of developing a data processing system at an early stage in the development process. Furthermore, it is demonstrated how the metric may be used to determine the efficiency of data processing system development.