Objective
In the Space and Defence markets, there is a clear trend towards software development contracts based on detailed requirements, fixed price, and fixed schedule. This trend implies that the contractor bears an increasing portion of the risk involved in balancing requirements, risk, and schedule.
The process improvement involves introduction of a well-defined program of development process measurement, definition of an estimation model that integrates measurements from earlier projects in the estimation process, and implementation of an organisational memory that allows this loop to be closed.
The result of the experiment is determined quantitatively in the regularly recurring assessments of the software development process. Also, the result of the experiment is determined more subjectively through the quality of the estimates actually produced in the baseline project as well as through a demonstration that the measurement program involved is operationally feasible.
THE EXPERIMENT
The experiment is performed on the ERA project that delivers part of the on-board software for the European Robotics Arm as a subcontractor to a prime contractor that in turn is under contract with the European Space Agency. The project has incremental delivery stages, which allow the experiment to close the loop from measurement of an early stage to estimation of a later stage. Other projects with similar characteristics are being considered as supplementary baseline projects.
EXPECTED IMPACT AND EXPERIENCE
CRI hopes to demonstrate that useful estimation procedures can be based on an approach which is reasonably formalised, yet still based on a bottom-up approach. This has been identified as the estimation approach that is most likely to be useful in the long run in a contractor environment where it is difficult to establish historical data based on large numbers of similar projects.
The CRI Space Division is actively pursuing process improvements that will allow the division to qualify at level 2 of the SEI Capability Maturity Model. A successful outcome of ESTEX will help to overcome a major roadblock towards that goal.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software software development
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
3460 BIRKEROED
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.