Training

Days: One or Two Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This workshop is designed for IS professionals at all levels of experience who desire an understanding of how to define, collect, analyze and present a variety of software measurement information. It is appropriate for those organizations that wish to establish a measurement program or enhance an existing one. The workshop focuses on the definition of software measures and providing guidelines for analysis, interpretation and presentation of the measurement data and results.

The workshop provides participants with the methods and techniques to define, analyze, and report appropriate measurement data to various audiences ranging from project staff to senior management. The workshop approach allows participants to develop usable plans  based on their organization’s objectives to develop or enhance a software measurement program.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• The Uses and Benefits of Measurement
• Evaluating Measurement Requirements
• Data Sources and Collection Points
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Metrics Definition
• Data Analysis
• Measurement Reporting
• Identifying Improvement Opportunities
• Measurement Tools and Reporting Systems
• *Alternatively the workshop format can be expanded and utilized in organizations to fully define and develop a software measurement program. This involves all measurement audiences participating in a facilitated session to define goals and objectives. This information is then used to define measures and develop data collection and reporting processes and vehicles in a workshop setting with the organization’s measurement staff.

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Days: One
2 Day option follows
Note: The primary difference between the 1 and 2-day versions of ESE is that the 2-day teaches detailed FP counting techniques. The one-day version teaches participants what FPs are but not the specifics for counting them.
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is designed for all professionals who have a need to effectively estimate effort, schedule and cost for software projects. The course is built on the understanding that the most successful estimating is based on accurately quantifying customer requirements using software measurement techniques. This includes potential scope creep, understanding project attributes and, most important, the size of the product to be delivered.

Software size is the one factor that has the greatest impact on estimates. Function Point Analysis is now recognized as the best method to size software deliverables. Function Point Analysis is a proven, reliable method for measuring software development work-products. The resulting work-product is expressed in terms of functionality as seen from the customer's perspective. Therefore, Function Point Analysis is extremely useful in communicating customer needs as well as estimating projects, measuring productivity and managing change of scope.

This course demonstrates how Function Point Analysis techniques, in conjunction with reliable and repeatable estimating methods, provide an effective approach to predict project and application performance. This course focuses on leveraging Function Point information to forecast performance, while highlighting specific opportunities that can increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed:

• Introduction to Estimating
• Benefits and Uses
• The Fundamentals of Estimating with Function Points
• Overview of the Process
• Software Estimation Models and Techniques
• Understanding Function Point Based Productivity Rates
• Using Productivity Rates to Estimate Effort
• Estimating Cost and Schedule
• Understanding Influencing Attributes on Projects
• Adjusting Estimates Based on Attributes
• Documenting and Communicating the Estimate
• Implement Estimating Techniques

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Days: Two Days (See above for One Day overview)
Prerequisite: None

Description: Note: The primary difference between the 1 and 2 day versions of ESE is that the 2-day teaches detailed Function Point (FPs) counting techniques. The one-day version teaches participants what FPs are but not the specifics for counting them.

This course is designed for all professionals who have a need to effectively estimate effort, schedule and cost for software projects. The course is built on the understanding that the most successful estimating is based on accurately quantifying customer requirements using software measurement techniques. This includes potential scope creep, understanding project attributes and, most important, the size of the product to be delivered. Software size is the one factor that has the greatest impact on estimates. Function Point Analysis is now recognized as the best method to size software deliverables. Function Point Analysis is a proven, reliable method for measuring software development work-products. The resulting work-product is expressed in terms of functionality as seen from the customer's perspective. Therefore, Function Point Analysis is extremely useful in communicating customer needs as well as estimating projects, measuring productivity and managing change of scope.

This course teaches how Function Point Analysis techniques, in conjunction with reliable and repeatable estimating methods, provide an effective approach to predict project and application performance. This course focuses on counting Function Points in order to forecast project performance, while highlighting specific opportunities that can increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training.

• Introduction to Function Points and Estimating
• Benefits and Uses
• The Fundamentals of Function Point Counting
• Overview of the Counting Process
• Application Boundaries and Function Point Identification
• Adjustment and Complexity Factors
• Types of Function Point Counts
• Software Estimation Models and Techniques
• Understanding Function Point Based Productivity Rates
• Using Productivity Rates to Estimate Effort
• Estimating Cost and Schedule
• Understanding Influencing Attributes on Projects
• Adjusting Estimates Based on Attributes
• Documenting and Communicating the Estimate
• Implement Estimating Techniques

For more information

Days: 2 (1 and 3 Day options available)
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is designed for professionals at all levels of experience who desire a working understanding of Function Points and their use as a software metric.  Function Point analysis is a proven reliable method for measuring application development work-products. The resulting work-product is expressed in terms of functionality as seen from the customer's perspective.  Therefore, Function Point analysis is extremely useful in communicating customer software requirements as well as measuring productivity and quality, estimating projects and managing change of scope.

This course will provide the participants with the fundamental concepts behind Function Point analysis and counting.  The uses and benefits of function point analysis will also be demonstrated. The International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) has certified this training to be compliant with the most current standards and version of the Counting Practices Manual (CPM).

The training utilizes adult education techniques and is designed to be highly interactive.  It incorporates group discussion and case studies that include hands-on counting exercises.  At the conclusion of this training the participants will possess the basic knowledge to count Function Points.

Customized options include conducting counts for company specific projects or applications as additional class exercises.  This option is available when the training is conducted for a specific company.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Introduction to Function Points
• Benefits and Uses
• The Fundamentals of Function Point Counting
• Overview of the Counting Process
• Application Boundaries
• Function Definition, Identification
• Adjustment and Complexity Factors
• Types of Function Point Counts

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Days: Two Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is designed for management and staff involved in software projects and applications. The course helps identify how to most effectively use software measurement information for development, support and procurement. There are hundreds of different ways to use software measurement information. The course will first identify how to evaluate the right measures for you and your organization. The major questions or issues the organization or project has, requires specific measures to help answer those questions.

This course identifies which measures are needed and how to use them for estimation, benchmarking, outsourcing, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) options, and general project and contract management. One of the major measures, which will be discussed, is Function Points. Function Points quantify the volume of user recognizable functionality delivered by an application or project. This is a standardized measure, which can then be used as the basis for various analyses.

Practical hands-on cases are used throughout the workshop.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Gain knowledge of specific software estimation models and techniques
• Develop an understanding of industry benchmarks and productivity trends
• Learn how to use measurement to define requirements and manage scope
• Improve project cost, effort and schedule estimates
• Improve quality prediction and measurement
• Understand influencing factors on projects and applications
• Discover how to use measurement as part of your contracted solution
• Understand how to use measurement for COTS or vendor solution selection
• Learn how to use measurement for general project management
• Gain practical experience in using software measurement using case studies
• Learn practical skills to implement measurement into your project/ organization

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Days: 1/2 Day (Also available in one and two day formats)

Description: This course is designed for measurement specialists who possess detailed knowledge of the Counting Practices Manual (CPM) rules and are preparing for the International Function Point User’s Group Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) automated exam. The focus of this workshop is to share hints and tips on how to take the automated IFPUG CFPS exam. The workshop also provides an opportunity for participants to take a ‘practice’ exam simulating the automated IFPUG exam environment. This allows participants to practice time management skills and experience the types of questions/cases that will be included in the IFPUG exam. The workshop will conclude with a review of the correct and incorrect answers submitted by the student to allow them focus further preparation for the IFPUG CFPS exam.

Days: One Day (Also available in two day format)
Prerequisite: Attendance of an IFPUG certified Introduction to Function Point Analysis course

Description: This course is designed for measurement specialists who are preparing for the International Function Point User's Group Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) exam. It is appropriate for both those persons prepared to become a Certified Function Point Specialist as well as those individuals interested in understanding the structure and content of the exam.

The Certified Function Point Specialist recognition is proof that the individual has an in-depth understanding of the function point counting rules and process. The workshop is designed to better prepare the attendees to achieve this recognition. It utilizes adult education techniques to describe the exam process and what is required to successfully pass the CFPS exam.  It also provides an opportunity for participants to take a ‘practice’ exam simulating the automated IFPUG exam environment.  This allows participants to practice time management skills and experience the types of questions/cases that will be included in the IFPUG exam.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Explain the significance of the CFPS process
• Review the Exam Administration
• Present an overview of the Exam content and format
• Review of the IFPUG Counting Practices Manual and rules
• Practice taking the CFPS Exam with mock test
• Critique mock test results

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Introduction to Function Point Analysis course or equivalent.

Description: This course is designed for professionals who desire a working understanding of applying function points to emerging technologies. Today's Function Point Analyst is faced with sizing a wide range of software and technology applications that are unlike traditional business systems. The environments addressed in this course may include: Embedded Software applications; Real-time systems; Middleware applications; and Process Control applications. The actual topics covered will depend on the specific interests of the participants. Interpretations of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Counting Practices Manual (CPM) version 4.x rules for the emerging technologies will be provided.

The training is designed to be highly interactive utilizing adult education techniques. It incorporates group discussion and case studies that include hands-on counting exercises. At the conclusion of this training the participants will posses the basic knowledge to apply Function Point techniques to non-traditional environments.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Definitions of Emerging Technologies
• Review of the Counting Process
• Identification of Application Boundaries
• Identification of Data Functions
• Identification of Transaction Functions
• Evaluating the 14 General Systems Characteristics
• Supporting Case Studies

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Introduction to Function Point Analysis course or equivalent.

Description: This course is designed for Function Point Analysts who desire a working understanding of applying function points to a variety of emerging business technologies. This course will focus on the popular and emerging technologies, which are today becoming ever more common in the business environment. The following technologies are addressed by this course: Window/ Graphical User Interfacing (includes Pictures, Audio, Video, Graphs, etc.); Client/ Server; Object Oriented; Voice/ Prompt Responsive; Data Warehouses; and Internet applications/ projects. Specific interpretations of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Counting Practices Manual (CPM) version 4.2 rules will be provided.

The training is designed to be highly interactive utilizing adult education techniques. It incorporates group discussion and case studies that include hands-on counting exercises. In addition to the case studies you can elect to count an actual company project(s) or base application with classroom participation. At the conclusion of this training the participants will posses the basic knowledge to count Function Points to size emerging business technologies.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Definitions of Emerging Technologies
• Review of the Counting Process
• Identification of Application Boundaries
• Identification of Data Functions
• Identification of Transaction Functions
• Evaluating the 14 General Systems Characteristics

For more information

Days: One or Two Days (based on customization approach)
Prerequisite: None

Description: This workshop is designed for IS professionals at all levels of experience who desire an understanding on how to use Quality Inspections. The methodology is a quality assurance process to identify problems and correct them early in the development life cycle. The techniques taught in this course follow a pre-defined process that ensures inspections are well planned, prepared and successfully conducted. The process defines the formal roles and responsibilities of an inspection team that ensure the inspection sessions are focused and productive.

The training provides the participants with the knowledge to successfully perform inspections on their own project deliverables immediately following the session. The class provides methodology training that actively involves the participants in order to motivate them to use the techniques. The concepts are reinforced through the use of hands-on exercises that allow the participants to practice the techniques. Optionally, the use of  case studies based on your organization’s actual software deliverables can be incorporated into the training.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Introduction to Quality Inspections
• Industry Experience with Inspections
• Defects in the Development Life cycle
• Quality Inspection Guidelines
• Quality Inspection Process
• Quality Inspection Roles
• Quality Inspection Techniques
• Defects Analysis

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Days: Three Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This intensive SEI-developed three-day course introduces managers and practitioners, appraisal team members, and process group members to the foundational concepts of the CMMI.  The course is taught by an SEI-certified instructor, and is composed of lectures and class exercises with plenty of opportunities for participants to interact with the instructor.  

Course Structure:

• Process Improvement Concepts and the CMMI
• Overview of CMMI Model Components
• Model Representations and Institutionalization
• Product Development
• Managing the Project
• Project and Organization Support
• Product Development (Part 2)
• Improvement Infrastructure
• Managing Quantitatively
• Supporting a Complex Environment
• Tying It All Together
• Constructing Effective Process Improvements
• Implementing Effective Process Improvements
• Organizational Readiness
• Web-Based and Other Additional Resources

Course materials are included in the course fees, and include a handout of the SEI Authorized class slides, a course completion certificate provided by the SEI, and a hard-cover book: CMMI: Guidelines for Process Integration and Product Improvement.

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: None

Description: This seminar is designed for software development professionals who desire a working understanding of the SEI Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) for Development.  Developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), the CMMI is the most widely accepted framework for assessing, managing, and improving an organization's software development process.

The seminar will provide a detailed introduction to the structure of the CMMI and the process areas at each maturity level.  Attendees will learn how the CMMI can be used to understand, manage, and improve their organization's software process.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Introduction to the SEI CMMI
• Process Management Concepts
• CMMI Overview
• CMMI Structure
• Interpreting the CMMI
• The Repeatable Process
• The Defined Process
• The Managed Process
• The Optimizing Process
• Linking Key Process Areas
• Using the CMMI in Process Appraisals
• The Maturity Questionnaire

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: None

Description: This seminar is designed for software development managers and professionals who wish to learn how to improve an organization's software process.  The improvement strategies presented are based on the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and its Software Process Assessment methodology (SCAMPI).

The seminar will provide the participants with the fundamental concepts included in the CMMI, and how these are applied in the Software Process Assessment methodology.  Attendees will learn how a Software Process Assessment can be a catalyst for initiating process improvement, which will help their organization break through the barriers that constrain performance.  Particular emphasis will be given to learning strategies for planning and managing process change.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Software Process Management
• The SEI Capability Maturity Model (CMMI)
• CMMI Structure and Components
• Process Characteristics at Each CMMI Level
• Process Areas
• Process Maturity Benchmarks
• SCAMPI Appraisals
• The Maturity Questionnaire
• Assessment Framework
• Planning and Managing Process Change
• Planning for Process Improvement
• Introducing Change into the Development Environment
• Software Engineering Process Groups

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Days: Two Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is designed for project leaders, analysts, designers, programmers, testing professionals, test process managers and end-users who are interested in reducing the effort required to deliver high quality information systems.
The course will focus on concepts, techniques, and tools for planning, structuring, and executing testing efficiently and effectively in the real world. It assumes that the attendees already recognize the critical importance of testing, and that they want to learn to do it better.

The course is structured around a pragmatic "tell me, show me, let me" approach to testing. Based on the concept that techniques are best understood if they are experienced by the participants, the course is built around practical exercises.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• General introduction: balancing the need for quality and the cost of delivery
• Developing behavioral ("black box") tests
• Testing Code Structures ("white box" or "clear box" tests)
• Engineering test data
• Creating test plans
• Establishing a test strategy
• Testing without code
• Making a difference: the testing process

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Days: Two Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is designed for project leaders, business analysts, managers and end-users who are interested in delivering high quality systems while reducing the total time investment. The course covers the basic tools, techniques, and terminology of information system testing. Topics are presented in non-technical language to eliminate the need for any information technology background. Its purpose is to enable business experts to evaluate whether delivered information technology meets the needs of the business community.

The modular structure of this class allows you to mix and match the subjects that matter most to your organization. Selected modules can be presented as a conventional seminar to a single group or each module can be attended by a different mix of participants. This approach lets participants optimize their time investment by targeting specific techniques to maximize the company's return on its training dollars.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Introduction to information system testing
• Initiating an error detection process
• Identifying test cases
• Engineering test data
• Planning test execution
• Managing your test environment
• Inflicting change

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: Introduction to Function Point Analysis

Description: This one-day course provides a detailed approach to planning, organizing, and facilitating function point counts. The focus of this class will be to provide a repeatable process in approaching function point counting sessions. This in turn will help ensure consistency and accuracy of the function point counts.

The class is designed for those getting started in function point counting as well as those more experienced, but who do not count on a regular basis or counters who are looking for a structured counting approach.

Learning the function point counting rules is the first step to being a successful counter, but often the more difficult aspect of counting is the ability to facilitate the session itself. Every function point count conducted may involve different documentation, new counting situations, and varying personalities of subject matter experts. These issues can be overcome if counters prepare appropriately for the session, follow a structured process, and develop good facilitation skills.

The course will present the importance of not only the counting session itself, but the need for preparation prior to the count and follow-up activities after the count is completed. It will cover the role of the facilitator and discuss the appropriate meeting environment. Meeting mechanics will be discussed to aid the facilitator in creating the appropriate environment.

A major portion of the class will focus on a consistent approach to function point counting sessions. Staying focused and knowing the right questions to ask are critical to obtaining an accurate count. Process aids are provided to assist the counters in institutionalizing the process.

Exercises and case studies are used throughout the workshop to ensure understanding and internalization of the concepts.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Facilitator Roles
• Planning FP Counting Sessions
• Facilitating the FP Counting Sessions
• Follow-up for the FP Counting Sessions

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Days: 1 to 2 Days
Prerequisite: None

Description: This course is intended to train PQMPlus™ users on the various functions and features of the tool. The modular design of the course allows customization of the course based on the modules you have licensed.  The course modules include PQMPlus™ Manager for application development managers, PQMPlus™ Planner for application development project managers and PQMPlus™ Analyst for function point counters and software measurement analysts. The length of the basic course for all three modules is two days. The training begins with installing and setting up the software for use within your organization. The remainder of the training focuses on using the features and functions available in the modules of the tool to estimate, manage and report on development projects and departmental performance.

System Admin Class: This session is designed for system administrators. The System Administrator’s role is to set up the parameters for the system and manage system variables. Initially, the course will provide an overview of the system administrator roles and responsibilities. Specifically, the course will cover the initial system installation, tailoring the system provided parameters and methodologies to the individual enterprise, and setting up system parameters. The class will also demonstrate how to add new users and reset passwords and system variables, and to resolve other user problems.

User Class: These sessions are designed for professionals who are using Function Points to estimate the size of a project/application and are using the industry-leading tool for software measurement professionals - PQMPlus™ - as their measurement repository. The course will introduce you to the various features of PQMPlus™ and guide you through the steps necessary to begin using it in your environment with your standards. Specifically, the course will cover how to use PQMPlus™ to manage specific projects, manage an entire application portfolio for the enterprise, leverage the value of software metrics to improve productivity, perform Project Estimating for new development and enhancement projects, and producing management reports using roll-up reporting (which is one of the strengths of a repository tool) on the entire applications portfolio.

The training is designed to be highly interactive utilizing adult education techniques. It incorporates group discussion and student activity examples that include hands-on exercises. At the conclusion of this training the participants will posses the knowledge to use the PQMPlus™ tool to define and manage their software development projects.

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Days: One Day
Prerequisite: Introduction to Function Point Analysis training or equivalent experience

Description: This one-day workshop helps students learn how to measure the size of enhancement projects, including functionality that is added, changed, and deleted. At the end of this workshop, students will be able to draw boundary diagrams for enhancements, estimate the size of enhancement requests, and understand what qualifies as "changed" functionality. After an enhancement count is complete, students will be able to use information from the enhancement count to provide a complete cycle for counting software enhancements and integrating the applied changes into applications baseline. Students will practice applying enhancement counting principles, using several exercises and three case studies.

The class is designed for technical or business project leaders and analysts who need to establish the size of enhancement projects and maintaining the application portfolio, which are constantly changing due to enhancement projects.

Practical hands-on cases with worksheets are used throughout the workshop.

Course Topics
The following topics are addressed by this training:

• Overview of the Types of FP Counts
• Identify the Counting Scope Using Boundary Diagrams
• Evaluate the added, changed, deleted, and conversion functionality and its contribution to the project size
• Develop an understanding of how to identify "changed" functionality
• Completing enhancement projects and updating application baseline counts

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