Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Constructive Cost Model
     
         (COCOMO) A method for evaluating the cost of a
        {software} package proposed by Dr Barry Boehm.  There are a
        number of different types:
     
        The Basic COCOMO Model estimates the effort required to
        develop software in three modes of development ({Organic
        Mode}, {Semidetached Mode}, or {Embedded Mode}) using only
        {DSI}s as an input.  The Basic model is good for quick, early,
        and rough order of magnitude estimates.
     
        The Intermediate COCOMO Model an extension of the Basic COCOMO
        model.  The Intermediate model uses an {Effort Adjustment
        Factor} (EAF) and slightly different coefficients for the
        effort equation than the Basic model.  It produces better
        results than the Basic model because the user supplies
        settings for cost drivers that determine the effort and
        duration of the software projects.  The Intermediate model
        also allows the system to be divided and estimated in
        components.  DSI values and cost drivers can be chosen for
        individual components instead of for the system as a whole.
     
        The Detailed COCOMO Model differs from the Intermediate COCOMO
        model in that it uses effort multipliers for each phase of the
        project.  These phase dependent effort multipliers yield
        better estimates because the {cost driver} ratings may be
        different during each phase.  The detailed model also provides
        a three-level product hierarchy and has some other
        capabilities such as a procedure for adjusting the phase
        distribution of the development schedule.
     
        ["Software Engineering Economics", B. Boehm, Prentice-Hall,
        1981].
     
        (1996-05-29)