ABSTRACT
This reference provides an overview of software measurement and an infrastructure for establishing a software measurement program. It is recommended to start small and build on the successes achieved. It is also recommended to combine a software measurement program with a software process improvement initiative so that the measurement program is sustainable. As far as possible, establish automated mechanisms for measurement data collection and analysis. Automated methods should be a resource supporting the measurement process rather than defining it. Collect the core measurements and additional measurements specific to the local goals in the organization regularly. Plan and schedule the resources that will be required to collect and analyze the measurement data within the organization’s overall software process improvement efforts and the organization’s specific projects. Evolve the measurement program according to the organization’s goals and objectives. Provide a mechanism for project teams and the organization’s software process improvement group to consolidate software project measurements. The following four steps illustrate a comprehensive process for establishing a software measurement program:
Step 1: Adopt a Software Measurement Program Model. 1. Identify resources, processes, and products. 2. Derive core measurement views.
