Optimizing software effort estimation models using back- propagation versus radial base function networks

Abstract

Software development effort estimation becomes a very important and vital tool for many researchers in different fields. Software estimation used in controlling, organizing and achieving projects in the required time and cost to avoid the financial punishments due to the time delay and other different circumstances that may happen. Good project cost estimation will lead to project success and reduce the risk of project failure. In this paper, two neural network models are used, the Back-propagation algorithm versus the redial base algorithm. A comparison is done between the suggested models to find the best model that can reduce the project risks related to time and increase the profit by achieving the demands of the required project in time. The two models are implemented on a 60 of NASA public dataset, divided into 45 data samples for training and 15 data samples for testing. From the result obtained we can clearly say that the performance of the back-propagation neural network in training and testing cases is actually better than the radial base function, so the backpropagation algorithm can be recommended as a useful tool in the software effort and cost estimation.