Test Effort Estimation Models Based on Test Specifications

In competitive markets, test teams should be able to estimate the required effort to perform their test activities on the schedule. In this paper, we present a test execution and a test automation effort estimation model and their use for test selection. All these models are based on the test specifications written in a controlled natural language. This characteristic may allow us to have better estimation accuracy, even for tests never executed before. The evaluation of these models and some additional benefits to industry are also discussed in the paper.