Chapter 5. Estimates and Metrics for UML-Based Projects
Most of us managers are prone to one failing: A tendency to manage people as though they were modular components.
We must, it is true, always proceed on the basis of probability, but to have probability is to have something.
—Elton Trueblood
Putting This Chapter in Perspective
This chapter discusses the important issues of measurements and estimates in UML-based software projects. Starting with an argument for the need to make good estimates, and continuing on to discuss how good metrics make good estimates, this chapter delves into the importance of these measures and estimates in improving the quality of project models and processes. We also discuss the technical measures related to sizes and complexities of the UML artifacts and diagrams. Estimates for a typical example CRMS implementation project using the UML are shown, with a view to demonstrate the application and significance of metrics in a practical project.