Featured Speech Abstract And A Request For Input
Posted by tcagley on April 5, 2010
I will be a featured speaker at ISMA Cinco. The following is my working abstract, please give it a read and let me know what you think the greatest threats and opportunities for IFPUG Function Points are in your opinion.
Function point counting is the de facto standard for measuring the functional size of software. It is the standard because of the energy of practitioners. The practice of IFPUG Function Points has expanded over nearly the entire world which has injected both energy and diversity of thought. The strong linkage between globalization and practices is a benefit because it is a reflection of the accelerating rate of technological change and globalization. The speech will explore the cutting edge of functional sizing (real new environments), the opportunities of globalization and the potential for the practice of function point counting to change radically in the near future.
Function points in all of the glorious flavors are the premier tool for sizing. Being on top of the heap means we must build an inclusive community. The 21st century to-date has been defined by developing community, in many cases enabled by the web. I would suggest that IFPUG provides the foundation for evolving and expanding the function point community. ISMA Cinco is recognition that IFPUG is an international organization; I would suggest that continued globalization will require that every practitioner consider getting involved. The most critical letter in IFPUG is “u” and even though we have many challenges we have many opportunities and above all we have you, function point users. We will explore how our community can mold the future. The function point community is a reflection of new math in which putting two function point users together equals something more than the sum of the parts but even more importantly putting hundreds of function point users together defies expectations.
Bill Ravensberg said
Tom, it’s nice to promote the real globalization growth of function point counting. That is a good “rah rah” thing.
However, I am concerned about the state of affairs. So, as a “u”, I will provide some controversial thoughts for consideration.
My hope is that IFPUG becomes International Function Point “Unified” Group.
Unfortunately, I think IFPUG is better represented right now as the International “Fractured Practices” Users Group.
There are too many differences and arguments over things like elementary processes and multiple media; just to mention a couple of things.
I think that the IFPUG BOD needs to be a strong backbone and make some clear statements about what IFPUG function point counting is. In my opinion, there are at least two different school of thoughts on how to interpret the rules and apply them. The latest Multiple Media paper at least recognized this and tried to address it.
However, the IFPUG BOD needs to come out and state that there is either one way and one way only to interpret and apply the counting practices or that there are two (or maybe more) ways.
Whatever is stated needs to be backed up.
Right now, I see IFPUG being looked at as a confused entity not wanting to deal with the issues at hand. It cannot be a users group that is primarily led by vendors/consultants that have different opinions on the matter which then flows over to the users. This is where the fracture comes in.
This has been going on for many years and has been a very recognizable issue for the last several years.
The fear of dealing with it quickly has really hurt IFPUG.
So, yes, it is great to be all “rah, rah” about IFUPG and function points. But, it won’t last long and will quickly become a worldwide issue and then everyone will stay away from IFPUG.
Therefore, we need to start being honest about what is going on and address it immediately.
tcagley said
Bill,
Thank you very much. As I craft my address I will bear your thoughts in mind. Are there others that would like to comment?