Validated software cost estimation factors for government projects using RASCH measurement model

Abstract

Software cost estimation (SCE) in software management can be a complicated task, as it could yield inaccurate results. Based on new empirical evidence, Public sectors more often face estimation failure, which causes projects to over shoot budgets, get delayed, face termination or the project scope or requirement to remain incomplete. Hence, the main aim of this paper is to identify the critical factors that significantly impact SCE in the context of software development in the Indonesian regional government. This research employs a quantitative approach, in which a questionnaire is used as the data collection instrument. The data is analysed using a RASCH model. This study is conducted in the regional government of West Sumatera Province, Indonesia. The result of the study reveals that there are six critical factors that significantly impact SCE results in a government project. These critical factors are programmer capability, top management support, the understanding of top management regarding the objectives of the project, risk management, knowledge, competency of the project manager, and top management involvement in the project.