Abstract:
Provided is an associated information generation device and the like that facilitated estimates relating to a project. The associated information generation device ( 101 ) has an associated information generation unit ( 102 ) that on the basis of project information including a task identifier is associated with a change causes are associate with the proportion at which the change causes occur identifies the change cause associated with a specific task identifier contained in project information, identifies the proportion associated with the identified change cause, and generates associated information in which the identified proportion and the identified task identifier are associated.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an associated information generation device that, for example, supports an operation of estimating man-hours needed for a project, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    A method for defining a software as standard components is an example of methods for improving development efficiency (productivity) of a project of developing software or a service. Further, a method for managing documents regarding software, such as design information regarding the software and template documents, and reusing the managed documents is an example of methods for improving the development efficiency. 
         [0003]    Systems disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2 are examples of systems improving development efficiency of a project. 
         [0004]    PTL 1 discloses an example of a management system managing information regarding a project. The management system includes a storage server retaining design information regarding software developed in a project, a generation terminal generating design information, and a management terminal. 
         [0005]    First, a designer generates design information regarding software developed in a project by using a design specification generation terminal and stores the design information into a storage server. As the design information is updated, the designer generates a change history representing an updated content and the like, and stores the generated change history in the storage server. As the change history is requested, a management terminal reads the change history stored in the storage server and displays the read change history. 
         [0006]    Further, PTL 2 discloses a generation support device that supports an operation of estimating man-hours or the like required for designing a project newly started (termed “new project”) on the basis of a history regarding projects carried out in the past. The generation support device includes an achievement data storage unit, an achievement data extraction unit, and a display unit. The achievement data storage unit can reserve a history regarding projects carried out in the past. The achievement data extraction unit converts a project into quantitative values, regarding items that are a kind of project, a customer participation rate, a degree of technological difficulty, productivity such as a degree of software commonality, and the like. The achievement data extraction unit extracts, as achievement data, a history regarding a project that is similar (or matches) in the converted value with regard to at least one item. The achievement data storage unit stores, as a history, the quantified data in accordance with the items as mentioned above with regard to each project carried out in the past. 
         [0007]    Next, the achievement data extraction unit compares a value included in the extracted achievement data with a value input as estimate data. When the value included in the estimate data is smaller than the value included in the extracted achievement data, the achievement data extraction unit shows information indicating that the value included in the estimate data is smaller via the display unit. 
         [0008]    The estimate data are generated, for example, at the time of a new project, on the basis of experience of a project manager and an instance in a project similar to the new project. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0009]    PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-102731 
         [0010]    PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-280901 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0011]    However, it is difficult to select a change history that serves as a basis for estimating man-hours or the like needed for a new project from among projects carried out in the past, on the basis of only the change history regarding the projects. A reason for this is that, although a change factor has relevancy to a value of man-hour and the like, the change history does not necessarily include a change factor. Further, a reason for this is that, even when the change history includes a change factor, the extent to which the change factor is relevant to development regarding the new project is unknown. 
         [0012]    Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an associated information generation device that facilitates estimation regarding a project, and the like. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0013]    In order to achieve the aforementioned object, as an aspect of the present invention, an associated information generation device including: 
         [0014]    associated information generation means for determining, on basis of project information including a task identifier that can uniquely identify a task included in a project, asset information in which the task identifier and a change factor representing a factor of changing a task identified by the task identifier are associated, and task information in which the change factor and a rate at which the change factor occurs are associated, the change factor associated with a specific task identifier included in the project information, determining the rate associated with the determined change factor, and generating associated information in which the determined rate and the specific task identifier are associated. 
         [0015]    In addition, as another aspect of the present invention, an associated information generation method including: 
         [0016]    determining, on basis of project information including a task identifier that can uniquely identify a task included in a project, asset information in which the task identifier and a change factor representing a factor of changing a task identified by the task identifier are associated, and task information in which the change factor and a rate at which the change factor occurs are associated, the change factor associated with a specific task identifier included in the project information, determining the rate associated with the determined change factor, and generating associated information in which the determined rate and the specific task identifier are associated. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, the object is also realized by an associated information generation program, and a computer-readable recording medium which records the program. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0018]    The associated information generation device and the like according to the present invention facilitates estimation regarding a project. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an associated information generation device according to a first example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device according to the first example embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of task information. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an associated information generation device according to a second example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device according to the second example embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of a configuration included in the asset history information. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of associated information. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of project information. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an associated information generation device according to a third example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device according to the third example embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of adoption information. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an associated information generation device according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device according to the fourth example embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of exploitation information. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of conversion information. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of associated information generated by an associated information generation unit. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a calculation processing apparatus capable of realizing the associated information generation device according to each of example embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Next, example embodiments that carry out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       First Example Embodiment 
       [0037]    A configuration of an associated information generation device  101  according to a first example embodiment of the present invention and processes that the associated information generation device  101  performs will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment. 
         [0038]    The associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment includes an associated information generation unit  102 . 
         [0039]    The associated information generation device  101  may further include a task information storage unit  151 . For convenience in description, it is assumed that a project is composed of a plurality of tasks. 
         [0040]    First, the associated information generation unit  102  receives project information  201  (exemplified in  FIG. 8  and described later) including task identifiers that can identify tasks included in the project, for example. Next, the associated information generation unit  102  determines change factors associated individually with task identifiers included in the project information  201  on the basis of asset history information  162  (exemplified in  FIG. 6 , also termed “asset information” and described later) (step S 101 ). Next, the associated information generation unit  102  determines a rate associated with the determined change factor on the basis of task information  161  (exemplified in  FIG. 3  and described later) (step S 102 ). Next, the associated information generation unit  102  generates associated information in which the rate determined with regard to the task identifier and the task identifier are associated (step S 103 ). 
         [0041]    Next, the project information  201  will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the project information  201 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , with regard to a certain project, the project information  201  includes task identifiers that can identify tasks included in the certain project. Further, the project information  201  may be information in which the task identifiers and estimated man-hours regarding the tasks identified by the task identifier are associated. 
         [0043]    For example, the project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8  includes a task identifier “task 1”, a task identifier “task 2”, and a task identifier “task 3”. This represents that a certain project includes the task 1, the task 2, and the task 3. Further, in the project information  201 , the task identifier “task 1” is associated with an estimated man-hour “100 hours”. This represents that the certain project includes the task 1 and that the estimated man-hour regarding the task 1 is 100 hours. 
         [0044]    The project information  201  does not necessarily include an estimated man-hour associated with a project identifier and may further include an item of a standard man-hour or the like. That is, the project information  201  is not limited to the foregoing example. 
         [0045]    In case of project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8 , the associated information generation unit  102  receives the project information  201  including at least a task identifier. 
         [0046]    Next, the asset history information  162  will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of a configuration included in the asset history information  162 . 
         [0047]    The asset history information  162  includes a project information set in which a project identifier that can identify a project is associated with task identifiers identifying tasks included in the project. Each task identifier in the project information set may be associated with a detailed task information set including a standard man-hour indicating a standard man-hour needed for the task identified by the task identifier, a change factor representing a factor of a change that occurs regarding the task, and a change history that represents a required time needed for the change if the change occurs. 
         [0048]    For example, the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6  includes a project information set in which a project identifier “project X”, a task identifier “task 1”, a task identifier “task 2”, and a task identifier “task 3” are associated. This represents that the project X is composed of the task 1, the task 2, and the task 3. Incidentally, the asset history information  162  may include a plurality of project information sets. 
         [0049]    Further, the task identifier “task 1” is associated with a detailed task information set including a standard man-hour “100 hours”, a change factor “change in the customer&#39;s demands”, and a change history “+20 hours”. This represents that the standard man-hour regarding the task 1 is 100 hours, and that the change factor for changing the task 1 is a “change in the customer&#39;s demands”, and that the required time for changing the task 1 is “+20 hours”. 
         [0050]    The required time “+20 hours” represents that the required time needed for the change increases by 20 hours when a change due to a change factor “change in the customer&#39;s demands” regarding the task 1 occurs. Further, in the detailed task information set associated with the task identifier “task 1”, the standard man-hour of 100 hours is, for example, a time that includes the required time needed for a change resulting from the change factor regarding the task 1. That is, the standard man-hour regarding the task 1 is 80 hours (=100 hours−(+20 hours)) when the change resulting from the change factor does not occur. 
         [0051]    The detailed task information set associated with the task identifier “task 2” includes substantially a configuration similar to the detailed task information set associated with the task identifier “task 1”. Therefore, description of the detailed task information set will be omitted. Further, the detailed task information set associated with the task identifier “task 3” includes “none” for the change factor and a change history “ ” (i.e., a blank). This represents that there is no change factor regarding the task 3. 
         [0052]    That is, in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the task 1, the task 2, and the task 3 are tasks included in one project X. 
         [0053]    The asset history information  162 , for example, includes a project information set in which the project identifier for the project is associated with the unique task identifiers of the tasks included in the project regarding a project carried out in the past. Further, each task identifier may be associated with a detailed task information set including information such as the standard man-hour regarding the task, the change factor regarding the task, and the change history regarding the task. 
         [0054]    In the process shown by step S 101 , the associated information generation unit  102  determines the change factors associated with the task identifiers included in the project information  201  in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 . In the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the project identifier, the task identifiers, and the change factors are associated. 
         [0055]    Next, the task information  161  will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the task information  161 . Incidentally, the task information storage unit  151  can store the task information  161 . 
         [0056]    The task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3  is information in which a change factor regarding a task and an occurrence rate of the change factor are associated. In other word, the task information  161  is information in which a change factor that occurs regarding a task included in the project and the probability that the change factor will occur (arise or recur) are associated in the case where a plan regarding a project is generated or the case where the generated plan is executed. The task information storage unit  151  can store the foregoing task information  161 . 
         [0057]    For example, in the task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3 , the change factor “change in the customer&#39;s demands” and the rate “100%” are associated. This represents that, with regard to a certain task, the occurrence rate of the change factor “change in the customer&#39;s demands” is “100%”. Further, in the task information  161 , a change factor “demand hearing failure” and a rate “50%” are associated. This represents that the occurrence rate of the change factor “demand hearing failure” with regard to a certain task is “50%”. 
         [0058]    The task information  161  may be information in which the change factor for a task, the name of the task, and the task identifier for the task are associated. That is, the task information  161  is not limited to the foregoing examples. 
         [0059]    That is, in the process shown in step S 102 , the associated information generation unit  102  determines a rate (probability) associated with an identified change factor on the basis of the task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0060]    When task information  161  is stored in the task information storage unit  151 , the associated information generation unit  102  may determine a change factor and a rate on the basis of the task information  161  stored in the task information storage unit  151  in the process shown in step S 102 . 
         [0061]    As have been described with reference to  FIG. 2 , the associated information generation unit  102  generates associated information in which the task identifier of a task included in the project information  201  and a rate determined with regard to the task identifier are associated in the process shown in step S 103 . An example of the associated information is exemplified in  FIG. 7  described later. Detailed description of the associated information is omitted herein. 
         [0062]    Next, advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment will be described. 
         [0063]    According to the associated information generation device  101 , estimation regarding a project are facilitated. 
         [0064]    A reason for this is because the associated information generation device  101  determines an occurrence rate of a change factor and generates associated information in which the determined rate and the task identifier are associated, on the basis of the task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3  with regard to each task identifier included in the project information  201 . 
         [0065]    For example, a manager concerned with a project estimates a man-hour needed to change the certain task on the basis of the change factor regarding a certain task included in the project. Next, the manager can easily estimate a man-hour needed for the entire project by using the rate calculated by the associated information generation device  101  as a weight regarding the task. 
         [0066]    On the other hand, according to the devices disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2, a man-hour regarding the project cannot be easily estimated on the basis of a change factor regarding a task included in the project. This is because the device cannot calculate an occurrence rate of the change factor. In other word, the manager can estimate the man-hour needed for a task change (i.e., that a change factor gives rise to) but, on the other hand, cannot calculate an occurrence rate of the change factor. As a result, the manager cannot easily estimate a man-hour regarding the project. 
       Second Example Embodiment 
       [0067]    Next, a second example embodiment of the present invention based on the foregoing first example embodiment will be described. 
         [0068]    In the following description, characteristic portions according to the present example embodiment will be centrally described while substantially the same configurations as those in the foregoing first example embodiment are given the same reference numbers and redundant description will be omitted. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , a configuration of an associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment and a process performed by the associated information generation device  111  will be described.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment. 
         [0070]    The associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment includes a reading unit  112  and an associated information generation unit  102 . 
         [0071]    The associated information generation device  111  may further include a task information storage unit  151 , an asset history information storage unit  152 , and an information input unit  153 . 
         [0072]    First, the information input unit  153  receives project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8  via the information input unit  153 . 
         [0073]    The project information  201  does not need to be information regarding a new project but may also be about, for example, a project that has been carried out and that is similar to (or matches) a new project. 
         [0074]    Next, the reading unit  112  determines a project information set regarding a project including tasks that are the same as the tasks included in the project information  201  in the asset history information  162  (described later with reference to  FIG. 6 ) stored in the asset history information storage unit  152 . 
         [0075]    Now, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the asset history information  162  that can be stored in the asset history information storage unit  152  will be described. 
         [0076]    The reading unit  112  determines a project information set that includes task identifiers matching the task identifiers in the project information  201  among the project information sets included in the asset history information  162  (step S 111 ). Further, regarding each task identifier included in the determined project information set, the reading unit  112  may read a detailed task information set associated with the task identifier. The reading unit  112  sends the determined project information set to the associated information generation unit  102 . 
         [0077]    The associated information generation unit  102  receives the project information set determined by the reading unit  112 . The associated information generation unit  102  reads change factors for each task identifier from the detailed task information sets associated to the task identifiers included in the received project information set. Next, the associated information generation unit  102  determines rates associated with each of the read change factors in the task information  161  (step S 102 ). 
         [0078]    With regard to each task identifier included in the received project information set, the associated information generation unit  102  generates information ( FIG. 7 ) that represents a detailed task information set including the rate determined in step S 102  on the basis of the change factor included in the detailed task information set associated with that task identifier (step S 103 ). For convenience in description, the generated information is termed “associated information”. 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , the associated information will be described.  FIG. 7  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of associated information  141 . As exemplified in  FIG. 7 , the associated information  141  includes project information sets regarding a specific project in the asset history information  162 . Further, each task identifier included in the project information set is associated with a detailed task information set as described above. Here, with regard to the project information set and the detailed task information sets, redundant descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0080]    In the associated information  141  exemplified in  FIG. 7 , the detailed task information set associated with the task 1 includes a rate “100%”. This represents that the associated information  141  is has been generated by appending the rate “100%” determined based on a change factor “change in the customer&#39;s demands” to the detailed task information set associated with the task 1 regarding the change factor through the associated information generation unit  102 . 
         [0081]    Further, in the associated information  141  exemplified in  FIG. 7 , the detailed task information set associated with the task 1 includes 100 hours (a section “estimated man-hour”). That is, this represents that the task 1 is associated with the estimated man-hour of 100 hours. 
         [0082]    Description of the detailed task information set associated with the task 2 is substantially similar to the description of the detailed task information set associated with the task 1 and therefore will be omitted. The foregoing estimated man-hour is a time that includes a required time needed when a change factor occurs. 
         [0083]    As described above in the first example embodiment, the task 1 in the project information  201  is associated with 100 hours in the project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8 . This represents that the estimated man-hour needed for the task identified by the task 1 is 100 hours. Further, the task 2 in the project information  201  is associated with 140 hours. This represents that the estimated man-hour needed for the task identified by the task 2 is 140 hours. 
         [0084]    The associated information generation unit  102  may display the generated associated information  141  in a display unit (not graphically shown). In other word, the display unit displays the associated information  141  in which the rate determined by the associated information generation unit  102  and the estimated man-hour and the like regarding that task are associated with regard to each task included in the project information  201 . As described above, in the associated information  141  exemplified in  FIG. 7 , pieces of information regarding a task are mutually associated, so that it is easy for a user to conceptually understand a project on the basis of the associated information  141 . 
         [0085]    A user of the associated information generation device  111  can, for example, determine whether or not the estimated man-hour regarding a new project is correct on the basis of the associated information  141  displayed in the display unit. 
         [0086]    Next, advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment will be described. 
         [0087]    The associated information generation device  111  according to the present example embodiment has advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment and, furthermore, an advantageous effect of it becoming easy for a user to consider a project. 
         [0088]    Reasons for this are a reason 1 and a reason 2. They are: 
         [0089]    (reason 1) because the configuration of the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment includes a configuration of the associated information generation device  101  according to the first example embodiment; and 
         [0090]    (reason 2) because the associated information generation unit  102  generates, for example, the associated information  141  in which information read from the task information  161  and the task identified by a task identifier included in the project information  201  are associated, as described above. 
         [0091]    As described above, the user can, for example, determine whether or not the estimated man-hour included in the project information  201  is correct based on the associated information  141  exemplified in  FIG. 7 . Specifically, because the associated information  141  is information in which the project information  201  and information read from the task information  161  are associated, the user can compare the change history regarding a task and the rate (e.g., probability of recurrence) in the associated information  141 . Therefore, the user can easily consider the project. 
       Third Example Embodiment 
       [0092]    Next, a third example embodiment of the present invention based on the foregoing second example embodiment will be described. 
         [0093]    In the following description, characteristic portions according to the present example embodiment will be centrally described while substantially the same configurations as those in the foregoing second example embodiment are given the same reference numbers and redundant description will be omitted. 
         [0094]    With reference to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , a configuration of an associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment and a process performed by the associated information generation device  121  will be described.  FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment. 
         [0095]    The associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment includes a reading unit  112 , an associated information generation unit  102 , and an estimation unit  122 . 
         [0096]    The associated information generation device  121  may further include a task information storage unit  151 , an asset history information storage unit  152 , and an information input unit  153 . 
         [0097]    Similarly to the second example embodiment, the associated information generation unit  102  determines rates by executing the process shown in step S 111  and step S 102 . Next, the estimation unit  122  calculates, on the basis of each rate determined by the associated information generation unit  102 , a time (hereinafter, termed “first time”) needed for a change resulting from a change factor regarding a task included in the project information  201 , for example, in accordance with Eqn. 1 to Eqn. 3 described later (step S 121 ). 
         [0098]    In the following description, for convenience in description, it is assumed that the detailed task information set includes a change history as exemplified in  FIG. 7 . In this case, with regard to each task identifier included in the associated information  141 , the estimation unit  122  may execute the process shown in step S 121  on the basis of a change history included in a detailed task information set associated with the task identifier. 
         [0099]    In step S 121 , the estimation unit  122  reads the change history and the rate, that are included in the detailed task information set associated with a task identifier, with regard to each of the task identifiers from the associated information  141 . Next, the estimation unit  122  estimates a first time on the basis of the read change history and the read rate. In this case, for example, the estimation unit  122  calculates the first time according to Eqn. 1. 
         [0000]      (First time)=(estimated man-hour)−(change history)+(change history)×(rate)  (Eqn. 1)
 
         [0100]    (where the project information  201  includes the estimated man-hour). 
         [0101]    That is, according to Eqn. 1, two values, that is an expected value (=(change history)×(rate)) of the time needed for the change resulting from the change factor and a required time needed in the case not resulting from the change factor, are added. The first time represents an expected value of the required time needed for the task identified by the task identifier. The estimation unit  122  may calculate the first time by calculating the value according to a predetermined function for calculating a value by using a change history and a rate as inputs. That is, the procedure for calculating the first time through the estimation unit  122  is not limited to the foregoing examples. 
         [0102]    Further, the estimation unit  122  may calculate the first time according to adoption information  164  exemplified in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the adoption information  164 . 
         [0103]    The adoption information  164  is information in which each task identifier is associated with characteristic information representing whether or not to adopt, with regard to the task identified by the task identifier, a calculation procedure (e.g., Eqn. 1, and the following Eqn. 2 or Eqn. 3) of calculating the first time on the basis of the rate determined in step S 102 . In the adoption information  164  exemplified in  FIG. 11 , the characteristic information “1” represents that the calculation procedure for the first time on the basis of the rate determined in step S 102  is adopted, and the characteristic information “0” represents that the calculation procedure is not adopted. For example, in the adoption information  164 , the task identifier “task 1” is associated with the characteristic information “1”. This represents that, in the case of calculating the first time, the procedure for calculating the first time on the basis of the rate determined in step S 102  is adopted with regard to the task 1. Therefore, the adoption information  164  exemplified in  FIG. 11  represents that, in the case of calculating the first time, the calculation procedure is adopted with regard to the task 1 and the task 3 and the calculation procedure is not adopted with regard to the task 2. 
         [0104]    That is, the estimation unit  122  determines the characteristic information associated with a task identifier included in the project information  201  in the adoption information  164 , and estimates the first time according to the characteristic information. For example, the estimation unit  122  estimates the first time according to the calculation procedure exemplified by Eqn. 1 or the like, with regard to the task 1 included in the project information  201 . Because the task 2 is associated with 0, the estimation unit  122  does not adopt the calculation procedure but estimates the change history as the first time. Because the task 3 is associated with “1”, the estimation unit  122  estimates the first time according to the calculation procedure exemplified in Eqn. 1 or the like with regard to the task 3. 
         [0105]    Further, in the case where the adoption information  164  includes a task identifier and a new rate regarding the task identified by the task identifier, the estimation unit  122  may estimate the first time on the basis of the new rate. 
         [0106]    For example, the user generates the adoption information  164  exemplified in  FIG. 11  on the basis of the associated information  141  displayed in the display unit. In other word, the user determines whether or not the rate determined in step S 102  is applicable to the project information  201  on the basis of the associated information  141 . If the user determines that the determined rate cannot be applied, the user adds a new rate to the adoption information  164 . 
         [0107]    The associated information generation unit  102  generates, as new associated information  141 , information in which a task in the associated information  141  and the first time calculated regarding the task by the estimation unit  122  are associated with regard to each task included in the associated information  141  (step S 103 ). In the associated information  141  exemplified in  FIG. 7 , each value shown in the “standard man-hour” section is associated, as the first time, with the task identifier (“task 1”, “task 2”, . . . ) of the task. Further, the associated information generation unit  102  may display the calculated associated information  141  in the display unit (not graphically shown). 
         [0108]    Next, advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment will be described. The associated information generation device  121  according to the present example embodiment has the advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment and, furthermore, an advantageous effect that the information calculated regarding a project is more accurate. 
         [0109]    Reasons for this are a reason 1 and a reason 2. They are: 
         [0110]    (reason 1) because the configuration of the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment includes the configuration of the associated information generation device  111  according to the second example embodiment; and 
         [0111]    (reason 2) because the estimation unit  122  estimates the first time on the basis of the rate and the change history. 
         [0112]    Therefore, the user can understand a project in more detail on the basis of the associated information  141  including the first time (i.e., the value shown in the “standard man-hour” section). 
       Fourth Example Embodiment 
       [0113]    Next, a fourth example embodiment of the present invention based on the foregoing third example embodiment will be described. 
         [0114]    In the following description, characteristic portions according to the present example embodiment will be centrally described while substantially the same configurations as those in the foregoing third example embodiment are given the same reference numbers and redundant description will be omitted. 
         [0115]    With reference to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , a configuration of an associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment and a process performed by the associated information generation device  131  will be described.  FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in the associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment. 
         [0116]    The associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment includes a reading unit  112 , an associated information generation unit  102 , and an estimation unit  132 . 
         [0117]    The associated information generation device  131  may further include a task information storage unit  151 , an asset history information storage unit  152 , and an information input unit  153 . 
         [0118]    Similarly to the second example embodiment and the third example embodiment described above, as step S 111  and step S 102  are executed, the associated information generation unit  102  determines a rate. The estimation unit  132  estimates a first time needed to solve a factor regarding a task included in project information  201  on the basis of the rate determined by the associated information generation unit  102 , exploitation information  165  (exemplified in  FIG. 14  and described later), and conversion information  166  (exemplified in  FIG. 15  and described later) (step S 131 ).  FIG. 14  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the exploitation information  165 .  FIG. 15  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the conversion information  166 . 
         [0119]    In the exploitation information  165  exemplified in  FIG. 14 , a characteristic, that is representing whether or not a task in a project included in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6  affects a new project (hereinafter, termed “project characteristic”), and a task identifier, that can identify the task, are associated. For example, in the exploitation information  165  exemplified in  FIG. 14 , a task identifier “task 1” is associated with a project characteristic “out of range”. This represents that in the case where the man-hour or the like regarding a new project is estimated, the task 1 in the project included in the asset history information  162  is not referred to. A task identifier “task 2” is associated with a project characteristic “within range”. A task identifier “task 3” is associated with the project characteristic “within range”. This represents that in the case where the man-hour or the like regarding the new project is estimated, the task 1 and the task 2 in the project included in the asset history information  162  are referred to. 
         [0120]    Further, in the conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15 , a project characteristic and a degree in the case where the project characteristic is converted are associated. In the conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15 , the project characteristic “out of range” and a degree “0” are associated. This represents that, in the case where the project characteristic is “out of range”, the project characteristic is converted to the degree of 0. Further, in the conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15 , the project characteristic “within range” and a degree “0.5” are associated. This represents that, in the case where the project characteristic is “within range”, the project characteristic is converted to the degree of 0.5. 
         [0121]    The degree may be a negative number. In the case where the degree is a negative number, the estimation unit  132  calculates the first time in accordance with Eqn. 3. 
         [0122]    Incidentally, the exploitation information  165  exemplified in  FIG. 14  is information regarding the project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, the tasks in the exploitation information  165  or the tasks in the project characteristic include the tasks in the project information  201 . 
         [0123]    The estimation unit  132  determines the project characteristic associated with a certain task identifier on the basis of the exploitation information  165  (step S 131 ). The estimation unit  132  determines the degree associated with the determined project characteristic on the basis of the conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15 . Next, the estimation unit  132  reads the estimated man-hour associated with a task identifier identifying a task included in the project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8 . Next, the estimation unit  132  calculates the first time on the basis of a rate calculated by the associated information generation unit  102  and the change history associated with the task. 
         [0124]    In the case where the determined degree is greater than or equal to 0, the estimation unit  132  calculates the first time regarding the task in the project information  201 , for example, in accordance with Eqn. 2. 
         [0000]      (First time)=(estimated man-hour)−(change history)+(change history)×(rate)×(degree)  (Eqn. 2)
 
         [0125]    Further, in the case where the read degree is negative, the estimation unit  132  calculates the first time regarding the task in the project information  201 , for example, according to Eqn. 3. 
         [0000]      (First time)=(estimated man-hour)−(change history)+(change history)×(rate)×(1−(degree))  (Eqn. 3)
 
         [0126]    For example, in the conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15 , the value of a project characteristic and the degree are determined based on the extent to which assets are re-used in the project, the degree to which participants in the project are skilled regarding the project, or the like. The value indicated by (estimated man-hour−change history) in Eqn. 1 to Eqn. 3 represents the standard man-hour in the case where a change factor does not occur. 
         [0127]    Next, similarly to the process in the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment, the associated information generation unit  102  generates information in which the first time and a task are associated, and calculates the generated information as the associated information  142  regarding the project (step S 103 ).  FIG. 16  is a diagram conceptually representing an example of the associated information  142  generated by the associated information generation unit  102 . In the associated information  142  exemplified in  FIG. 16 , each value indicated in the “standard man-hour” section is associated, as the first time, with the task identifier (“task 1”, “task 2”, . . . ) identifying the task. 
         [0128]    Incidentally, a configuration of the associated information  142  shown in  FIG. 16  includes a configuration similar to the configuration of the information shown in  FIG. 7  and, therefore, descriptions regarding the configuration of the associated information  142  generated by the estimation unit  132  will be omitted herein. 
         [0129]    Further, in the foregoing description, the estimation unit  132  reads the degrees associated with the values of characteristic information in the adoption information  164  from the conversion information  166 . For example, the estimation unit  132  may read the degrees on the basis of the information in which the task and the degrees are associated. 
         [0130]    Next, a process in the associated information generation device according to each of the foregoing example embodiments will be described by using examples. Hereinafter, description will be made by using the signs used in the fourth example embodiment. However, the following description is not limited to the associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment. 
         [0131]    The associated information generation device  131  receives the project information  201  exemplified in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0132]    For example, a user, who makes a plan regarding a new project, generates project information  201  in which a task identifier and an estimated man-hour regarding the task identified by the task identifier are associated. In the case where the estimated man-hour cannot be estimated, the user may set the estimated man-hour as a blank. Further, in the case where the estimated man-hour is set as a blank, the associated information generation device  131  may set the estimated man-hour on the basis of information included in the asset history information  162 . The user inputs the generated project information  201  to the associated information generation device  131 . 
         [0133]    It is assumed that, for example, the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6  is stored in the asset history information storage unit  152 . The asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6  includes information regarding a project (e.g., “project X”). In the case where the associated information generation device  131  calculates the associated information  142  regarding the project, the asset history information  162  can be repeatedly used. 
         [0134]    The project X included in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6  includes the task 1, the task 2, and the task 3. 
         [0135]    Referring to the column indicated by the task 1 in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the standard man-hour regarding the task 1 is 100 hours. Further, the time indicated by the standard man-hour regarding the task 1 includes the time of execution of a change on the task 1. Furthermore, in the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the change factor regarding the change is a “change in the customer&#39;s demands”. Furthermore, the standard man-hour regarding the task 1, as having been described with reference to  FIG. 6 , is 80 (=100−20) hours before the change factor occurs, and the standard man-hour added by the change in the customer&#39;s demands is “+20 hours”. 
         [0136]    For example, the user sets task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3 , beforehand. 
         [0137]    With regard to the task included in the project X, the associated information generation unit  102  reads the change history associated with the task. 
         [0138]    For convenience in description, it is assumed that the associated information generation unit  102  reads the task 2 included in the project X. 
         [0139]    In the asset history information  162  exemplified in  FIG. 6 , the task 2 is associated with “demand hearing failure”. The associated information generation unit  102  determines the rate associated with the “demand hearing failure” based on the task information  161  exemplified in  FIG. 3 . For example, the associated information generation unit  102  determines the rate “50%” associated with the “demand hearing failure” in the task information  161 . 
         [0140]    Next, the associated information generation unit  102  generates associated information (exemplified in  FIG. 7  or  FIG. 16 ) in which tasks, rates, change histories, etc., are associated with one another by following the foregoing process and displays the generated associated information on a display unit (not graphically shown). 
         [0141]    At this time, a user can make a plan by determining whether or not to adopt a change history or whether or not to adopt an estimated man-hour on the basis of the associated information generated by the associated information generation unit  102  and displayed on the display unit. The user may change the rates. The process in this case is similar to a process performed in the case where the reading of the rate is switched to a value obtained after the rate is changed. 
         [0142]    Next, on the basis of the project characteristic, the process procedure of calculating the first time will be described. 
         [0143]    As described above, the exploitation information  165  exemplified in  FIG. 14  is information in which a task identifier is associated with a project characteristic that represents whether or not the task identified by the task identifier affects the project. The exploitation information  165  includes information regarding one or more tasks. The exploitation information  165  exemplified in  FIG. 14  includes three task identifiers that are a task 1, a task 2, and a task 3. The task identifiers are associated with project characteristics. For example, the task 1 is associated with a project characteristic “out of range”. This represents that, with regard to the task 1, the project information set included in the asset history information  162  is not referred to. Further, in the exploitation information  165 , the task 2 and the task 3 are associated with a project characteristic “within range”. This represents that, with regard to the task 2 and the task 3, the project information set included in the asset history information  162  is referred to. 
         [0144]    The user generates exploitation information  165  in which task identifiers are associated with the project characteristics regarding the tasks identified by the task identifiers, and inputs the generated exploitation information  165  to the associated information generation device  131 . 
         [0145]    The conversion information  166  exemplified in  FIG. 15  is information in which project characteristics and degrees are associated. For example, in the conversion information  166 , the project characteristic “out of range” and a degree “0” are associated. Further, in the conversion information  166 , the project characteristic “within range” and a degree “0.5” are associated. These represent that, when the project characteristic is the “within range”, the degree is set to 0.5 and that, when the project characteristic is the “out of range”, the degree is set to 0. For example, when the rate is increased, the degree may be a negative number. For example, when the degree is “−0.2”, the estimation unit  132  adds 0.2 to the rate. 
         [0146]    Next, since the characteristic information associated with the task 2 is set to the “within range”, the estimation unit  132  sets the degree to 0.5 (=50%). Next, the estimation unit  132  calculates a suggestion man-hour with regard to the task according to Eqn. 2. For example, the estimation unit  132  calculates the first time regarding the task 2 as being 102.5 hours (=140 hours−50 hours+50 hours×0.5×0.5) in accordance with the calculation procedure exemplified in Eqn. 2. In other word, the estimation unit  132  estimates the first time (suggestion man-hour) regarding the task 2 on the basis of four values, that is, the standard man-hour (=140 hours−50 hours) that does not include a change factor, the required time (=50 hours) regarding the change factor, a rate (=0.5), and a degree (=0.5). 
         [0147]    When the degree is negative, the estimation unit  132  calculates the suggestion man-hour regarding the task in accordance with the calculation procedure exemplified in Eqn. 3. 
         [0148]    The associated information generation device  131  generates information exemplified in  FIG. 16  by executing the foregoing process. In the information exemplified in  FIG. 16 , the task 2 is associated with the calculated 102.5 hours. 
         [0149]    Next, advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment will be described. The associated information generation device  131  according to the present example embodiment has the advantageous effects of the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment and, furthermore, an advantageous effect of being capable of calculating appropriate man-hours. 
         [0150]    Reasons for this are a reason 1 and a reason 2. They are: 
         [0151]    (reason 1) because the configuration of the associated information generation device  131  according to the fourth example embodiment includes the configuration of the associated information generation device  121  according to the third example embodiment; and 
         [0152]    (reason 2) because the estimation unit  132  further calculates the first time on the basis of the exploitation information  165  regarding the project and the conversion information  166 . 
         [0153]    That is, because the calculation procedure is based on the conversion information  166  and the exploitation information  165  regarding the project, the first time calculated by the estimation unit  132  is more accurate than the first time calculated by the estimation unit  122 . 
         [0154]    (Hardware Configuration Example) 
         [0155]    A configuration example of hardware resources that realize an associated information generation device in the above-described example embodiments of the present invention using a single calculation processing apparatus (an information processing apparatus or a computer) will be described. However, the availability analysis device may be realized using physically or functionally at least two calculation processing apparatuses. Further, the availability analysis device may be realized as a dedicated apparatus. 
         [0156]      FIG. 17  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a calculation processing apparatus capable of realizing the associated information generation device according to each of the first to fourth example embodiments. A calculation processing apparatus  20  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  21 , a memory  22 , a disc  23 , a non-transitory recording medium  24 , a communication interface (hereinafter, expressed as a “communication I/F”)  27  and a display  28 . A calculation processing apparatus  20  further includes an input apparatus  25  and an output apparatus  26 . The calculation processing apparatus  20  can execute transmission/reception of information to/from another calculation processing apparatus and a communication apparatus via the communication I/F  27 . 
         [0157]    The non-transitory recording medium  24  is, for example, a computer-readable Compact Disc, Digital Versatile Disc, Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, or Solid State Drive. The non-transitory recording medium  24  allows a related program to be holdable and portable without power supply. The non-transitory recording medium  24  is not limited to the above-described media. Further, a related program can be carried via a communication network by way of the communication I/F  27  instead of the non-transitory medium  24 . 
         [0158]    In other words, the CPU  21  copies, on the memory  22 , a software program (a computer program: hereinafter, referred to simply as a “program”) stored by the disc  23  when executing the program and executes arithmetic processing. The CPU  21  reads data necessary for program execution from the memory  22 . When display is needed, the CPU  21  displays an output result on the output apparatus  26 . When a program is input from the outside, the CPU  21  reads the program from the input apparatus  25 . The CPU  21  interprets and executes an associated information generation program present on the memory  22  corresponding to a function (processing) indicated by each unit illustrated in  FIG. 1 , FIG.  4 ,  FIG. 9 , or  FIG. 12  described above or an associated information generation program ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 13 ). The CPU  21  sequentially executes the processing described in each example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0159]    In other words, in such a case, it is conceivable that the present invention can also be made using the associated information generation program. Further, it is conceivable that the present invention can also be made using a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium storing the associated information generation program. 
         [0160]    The present invention has been described using the above-described example embodiments as example cases. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example embodiments. In other words, the present invention is applicable with various aspects that can be understood by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0161]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2014-121932, filed on Jun. 13, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               101  Associated information generation device 
               102  Associated information generation unit 
               151  Task information storage unit 
               201  Project information 
               111  Associated information generation device 
               112  Reading unit 
               152  Asset history information storage unit 
               153  Information input unit 
               121  Associated information generation device 
               122  Estimation unit 
               131  Associated information generation device 
               132  Estimation unit 
               141  Associated information 
               142  Associated information 
               161  Task information 
               162  Asset history information 
               164  Adoption information 
               165  Exploitation information 
               166  Conversion information 
               20  Calculation processing device 
               21  CPU 
               22  Memory 
               23  Disk 
               24  Non-volatile recording medium 
               25  Input device 
               26  Output device 
               27  Communication IF 
               28  Display