Successful project planning relies on a good estimation of the effort required to complete a project, together with the schedule options that may be available. Despite the extensive research done developing new and better models, existing software eff...
Successful project planning relies on a good estimation of the effort required to complete a project, together with the schedule options that may be available. Despite the extensive research done developing new and better models, existing software effort estimation models are present only the total effort and effort (or manpower: people per unit time) function for the software life-cycle. Also, Putnam presents constant effort rate in each subcycles. However, the size of total efforts are variable according to the software projects under the influence of its size, complexity and operational environment. As a result, the allocated effort in subcycle also differ from project to project. This paper suggests the linear and polynomial effort estimation models in specifying, building and testing phase followed by the project total effort. These models are derived from 128 different projects. This result can be considered as a practical guideline in management of project schedule and effort allocation.