June 2002
Volume 4 • Number 3

Contents

SOFTWARE METRICS
An Analytical Approach To Software Metrics Management
By Alex Glushkovsky

This article addresses an analytical approach that provides a practical framework for software metrics management. The matrix-based framework is applied to the following aspects of software metrics management:

1. Metrics establishment, including conceptualization and customization according to the nature of software business
   
2. Determination of necessary data collection
   
3. Metrics analysis and utilization, including evaluation of goal achievement and guidance for business improvement

In addition, the framework supports the following formal elements of software metrics management: documentation, review, control, maintenance, and audit.

Key words: business intelligence, matrix, metrics system, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis

INTRODUCTION

Software metrics is an important issue in modern software development. It allows a company to analytically guide business improvement, support planning and controlling activities, benchmark processes and products, and forecast outputs of future projects. A metrics system is a business intelligence fundamental. Although the issue has been in focus for more than a decade and even supported by standards, today’s software business sophistication requires an integrative software metrics management approach. This approach should provide:

1. Metrics establishment, including conceptualization and customization according to the nature of software business
   
2. Determination of necessary data collection
   
3. Implementation guidance
   
4. Metrics analysis and utilization, including evaluation
   of goal achievement and guidance for business improvement

In addition, it should support documenting, reviewing, controlling, maintenance, and auditing.

This article introduces an analytical approach that provides a practical framework for software metrics management that supports the previously mentioned elements. Once implemented, it allows one to segment business areas with respect to the achievement of established goals and optimization of decision-making, and it decreases the uncertainty of future projects.

The full text of this article may be found in the print journal. To subscibe go to /quality-press/display-item/index.html?item=SUBSCR_SQP.

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