Abstract
BACKGROUND ? whilst substantial effort has been invested in developing and evaluating knowledge-based techniques for project prediction, little is known about the interaction between them and expert users. OBJECTIVE ? the aim is to explore the interaction of cognitive processes and personality of software project managers undertaking tool-supported estimation tasks such as effort and cost prediction. METHOD ? we conducted personality profiling and observational studies using think-aloud protocols with five senior project managers using a case-based reasoning (CBR) tool to predict effort for real projects. RESULTS ? we found pronounced differences between the participants in terms of individual differences, cognitive behaviour and estimation outcomes, although there was a general tendency for over-optimism and over-confidence. CONCLUSIONS ? in order to improve task effectiveness in the workplace we need to understand the cognitive behaviour of software professionals in addition to conducting machine learning research.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management, 25-26 June 2012, London, UK |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |