A Novel Hybrid Algorithm for Software Cost Estimation Based on Cuckoo Optimization and K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithms

Abstract

The inherent uncertainty to factors such as technology and creativity in evolving software development is a major challenge for the management of software projects. To address these challenges the project manager, in addition to examining the project progress, may cope with problems such as increased operating costs, lack of resources, and lack of implementation of key activities to better plan the project. Software Cost Estimation (SCE) models do not fully cover new approaches. And this lack of coverage is causing problems in the consumer and producer ends. In order to avoid these problems, many methods have already been proposed. Model-based methods are the most familiar solving technique. But it should be noted that model-based methods use a single formula and constant values, and these methods are not responsive to the increasing developments in the field of software engineering. Accordingly, researchers have tried to solve the problem of SCE using machine learning algorithms, data mining algorithms, and artificial neural networks. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm that combines COA-Cuckoo optimization and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithms is used. The so-called composition algorithm runs on six different data sets and is evaluated based on eight evaluation criteria. The results show an improved accuracy of estimated cost.