Overview
ISO/IEC 14143-6:2012 is the guide to using the ISO/IEC 14143 series and related international standards for Functional Size Measurement (FSM). It summarizes the FSM framework standards (concepts, conformance and verification) and the relationship between those framework standards and the five ISO/IEC standardized Functional Size Measurement Methods (FSMMs). The standard helps users and developers understand how to select, assess and apply FSMMs and how to use Functional Size (FS) results across software lifecycle activities.
Key topics and technical requirements
- FSM framework vs. Method Standards: Clarifies the role of ISO/IEC 14143-1 (concepts and mandatory requirements for FSMMs) and the supporting parts (conformity evaluation, verification, reference user requirements, functional domains).
- FSMM conformity: An FSMM must conform to the mandatory requirements of ISO/IEC 14143-1 to be considered a conformant method.
- Method outlines: Summaries of the five ISO/IEC-standardized FSMMs:
- ISO/IEC 19761 (COSMIC) - measures data movements (Entry, Exit, Read, Write).
- ISO/IEC 20926 (IFPUG) - counts Base Functional Components (EI, EO, EQ, ILF, EIF).
- ISO/IEC 20968 (Mk II) - measures logical transactions via Ni, Ne, No elements.
- ISO/IEC 24570 (NESMA) - IFPUG-style BFCs, plus early-stage estimated and indicative counts.
- ISO/IEC 29881 (FiSMA) - seven BFC classes (q, i, o, t, f, d, a) and 28 BFC types.
- Selection and development processes: Provides a process to assist users in selecting a suitable FSMM and guidance for FSMM developers; does not recommend any specific FSMM.
- Use of Functional Size: Guidance on applying FS results for project management, performance management and other lifecycle activities.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/IEC 14143-6 is practical for:
- Software measurement practitioners selecting an FSMM for consistent sizing and benchmarking.
- Project managers and estimators using FS to plan scope, effort and resources.
- Process and performance managers applying FS for productivity and trend analysis.
- Standards developers and FSMM authors who need to ensure method conformance and to develop or verify methods.
- Procurement and contract teams seeking standardized sizing measures for contracts and metrics.
Practical uses include method comparison, conformance checks, defining functional domains for measurement, selecting an FSMM appropriate to a software domain, and applying FS for estimation, benchmarking and performance metrics.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 14143-1 - Definition of concepts (mandatory FSMM requirements)
- ISO/IEC 14143-2 - Conformity evaluation of FSMMs
- ISO/IEC TR 14143-3 - Verification of FSMMs (performance assessment)
- ISO/IEC TR 14143-4 - Reference User Requirements (RURs)
- ISO/IEC TR 14143-5 - Determination of Functional Domains
- ISO/IEC 19761, 20926, 20968, 24570, 29881 - Standardized FSMMs (COSMIC, IFPUG, Mk II, NESMA, FiSMA)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 14143-6, Functional Size Measurement, FSM, FSMM, functional size, COSMIC, IFPUG, Mk II, NESMA, FiSMA, software measurement.