2008 IFPUG WORKSHOPS – WESTIN ARLINGTON GATEWAY HOTEL

September 14-19, 2008

At this workshop a significant number of courses are available. All courses are limited in size and fill up quickly. Only pre-registered, prepaid and confirmed attendees will be guaranteed a space. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and includes course materials, breakfast, breaks and lunches the day of your course(s). Maximum class registration for all courses is 20 students.

Registration begins May 19th

All classes run from 8:30 am - 5 pm daily, unless otherwise noted.

FUNCTION POINT COUNTING TRACK

FP-101 Introduction to Function Point Counting: Basics

This workshop focuses on function point counting techniques consistent with IFPUG Counting Practices Release 4.2.1. At the completion of this workshop, participants will be familiar with basic function point concepts, the function point methodology, the five function point types, IFPUG counting practices and the 14 general system characteristics. Participants will apply IFPUG counting practices in a hands-on interactive workshop environment.

Target Audience: This class is designed for the beginner with no function point counting experience and for counting practitioners with less than six months of experience who desire a hands-on introduction to IFPUG counting practices.

Instructor: Lori Holmes, Q/P Management Group

Prerequisite: None

Logistics: One 2-day course – Sunday, Sept. 14 and Monday, Sept. 15

FP-225 Building an ILF Model for Estimating Function Point Counts

This is a one-day workshop for estimating function point counts using the ILF Model (or, “One File Model”). Attendees should bring in a list of their organization’s applications and corresponding function point counts (to include General System Characteristics values, counted algorithms, and report generator unadjusted function point counts if applicable), and bring a laptop with Excel. We will then spend the day developing an ILF Model calibrated for each attendee organization based on their data. The goal is for all attendees to leave the workshop with a statistically significant ILF Model calibrated to their organization and with the ability to use it immediately upon their return.

Target Audience: Advanced

Highlights: Characteristics of good function point forecasts. Linear regression. ILF Model theory. Forecasting model calibration.

Instructor: Dr. Charley Tichenor

Logistics: One day class – Monday, Sept. 15

FP-300 Count WHAT?

This workshop is designed for software professionals who have a solid foundation in Function Point Analysis, and desires to gain further information on leveraging the IFPUG method in various types of software situations and domains. Proposed scenarios include: defibrillator software, grocery store self check-out, customization of third-party tools, integration of products, and more. This highly interactive workshop will allow participants select (or offer) different software sizing scenarios and requirements. Participants will work in groups to identify how to leverage and interpret the IFPUG rules so that meaningful functional size information can be presented and used by the stakeholders. The New Environments Committee is happy to facilitate this workshop, and will be looking forward to listening to some of your challenges and identify how the IFPUG method can be applied to size software functionality for all domains.

Instructor: New Environments Committee

Logistics: One day class – Tuesday, Sept. 16

FP-301 CFPS Exam Preparation & Exercises

This workshop is intended to refresh (not train) participants on the fundamentals of counting and applying function points. The workshop will review the content and applying location of the function point counting fundamentals within Release 4.2.1 of the IFPUG Counting Practices Manual. Hints on test taking and exercises are included. Time will be allocated for student questions. A practice exam we will be administered as part of the class. Exam answers will be reviewed as needed.

Target Audience: This workshop is designed for individuals who plan on sitting for the CFPS exam. Participation in this workshop does not guarantee that the student will pass the CFPS exam. The workshop should not replace normal exam preparation efforts.

Instructor: Sheila Dennis, David Consulting Group

Logistics: One day course – Sunday, Sept. 14

MEASUREMENT TRACK

MS-110 Goal-Question-Metric Workshop

In this workshop, we set out the principles of Goal Driven Measurement, and through interactive exercises, transfer essential knowledge that professionals can quickly apply to successfully implement GQM with their teams for sustainable process improvement. Attendees then work collaboratively to identify questions and ultimately the metrics from which they can realistically plan their measurement initiatives after the workshop is over. Participants emerge fully knowledgeable about the GQM approach together with solid information about how to implement a successful measurement program (that will yield positive process improvement results) in real-life.

Instructor: Carol Dekkers, Quality Plus Technologies

Logistics: One day class – Monday, Sept. 15

MS-211 Software Metrics Definition, Analysis & Reporting

This course provides participants with a detailed understanding of the basic types and classifications of software measures. In addition, the course provides guidelines for defining, analyzing, interpreting, formatting and presenting measurement data to different audiences within an organization. Students will learn the uses and benefits of measurements, how to evaluate measurement requirements, how to define relevant metrics unique to their organization, how to analyze measurement data and how measurement is used for process improvement.

Target Audience: This workshop is designed for professionals who desire a basic understanding of how to analyze and present a variety of software measurement information.

Instructor: Sherry Ferrell, Q/P Management Group

Prerequisite: None

Logistics: One day class – Tuesday, Sept. 16

Maximum number of participants: 20

MS-222 Principles of Estimating and Benchmarking Using Industry Data

This workshop addresses the ever increasing demand for high quality estimating and more competitive IT Organizations. Participants gain incite into both the theoretical and practical approaches to creating high quality estimates and performance benchmarks using industry data.

Using case studies, real life examples and discussions to bring together theory and practice, this workshop will clarify techniques for Top-down (Parametric) and Analogue estimating, discuss the accuracy and use of estimating results, and illustrate the guidelines for collection and use of industry data to benchmark the IT organization.

The course will be taught by members from the IT Performance Committee.

Target Audience: This course is intended for all resources that are involved in estimating or wish to be involved in estimating in the future.

Instructors: Dan Bradley & Christine Greene, IT Performance Committee

Prerequisite: Participants should have basic knowledge about Function Points.

Logistics: One day class – Tuesday, Sept. 16

Maximum number of participants: 20

MS-230 Measurement Workshop: Using Function Points to Determine Earned Value and ROI

This course will review the basic concepts involved in Earned Value Analysis and Return on Investment and integrate how function points can be used as an input to determining both. Participants will work through a number of case examples to reinforce concepts.

Target Audience: This workshop is intended to provide advanced training on the application of function points for those with a basic concept of the uses of function points.

Instructor: Doug Brindley, Software Productivity Research, LLC

Prerequisite: FP101 or FP110

Logistics: One day class – Sunday, Sept. 14

MS-250 Metrics to Survive Changing Management/Administrations

Saving the Baby whenever new Management and/or Administrations are throwing out the bath water. Practical examples to show Business Partners and Politicians the link between IT and Enterprise Value. These are real report examples that IT departments have used to prove multi-million dollar Value before “Change” becomes irrational and you become history.

Topics include: Introduction of the 10 Dimensional Integrated Software Metrics Model; Estimating with Metrics, Overlooked Productivity and Quality Reporting; Maintenance and Staffing Metrics; Proactive Insight Metrics, Doing Things Right and Doing the Right Things; Assignment Logs and Tallies; and Proactive Insight Metrics, Doing things Right vs. Doing the Right Things.

Instructor: Bill Hufschmidt, Development Support Center

Logistics: One day class – Tuesday, Sept. 16

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRACK

PM-315 Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma provides a set of integrated tools and methods for using analysis techniques to improve processes. By itself, it provides a powerful approach for focusing improvements on the highest-value areas, and of ensuring strong return-on-investment. Combined with other improvement initiatives, such as CMMI or ISO, the benefits grow exponentially. This presentation will discuss the basics of how to implement Six Sigma. Topics include terms, roles, strategies, tools, and lessons learned. Examples will be drawn from successful implementations across industry.

Instructor: Rick Hefner, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Logistics: One day class – Monday, Sept. 15

QUALITY AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TRACK

QI-235 Setting Up Your Metrics Plan for CMMI

As organizations pursue CMMI Certifications, one of the major challenges is targeting the appropriate measurements to support their efforts. This class will assist you in developing a measurement plan for your organization to address SEI CMMI.

Target Audience: This course is intended for individuals who need to set up the measurements necessary to support process improvement within their organization – especially those following the Software Engineering Institute’s Capability Maturity model as the framework for their improvement efforts.

Instructor: David Consulting Group

Prerequisite: Participants should have at least six months of experience in managing software projects and have a general knowledge of quality processes.

Logistics: One day class – Sunday, Sept. 14