Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers - Hardcover

Now that software is embedded in nearly every human endeavor, measuring software's effectiveness and value has become utterly crucial. Practical Software Measurement introduces proven techniques for implementing quantitative software metrics covering quality, cost, schedule -- and demonstrates how to leverage your measurements for smarter decision-making and more efficient project management. Practical Software Measurement begins with a high-level summary of the key issues associated with software metrics, and a practical overview of what it takes to implement measurement on a software-intensive project. The authors show how to identify project issues, and build an effective measurement plan -- providing detailed tables and expert guidance on choosing the best possible metrics. Next, they review the logistics of collecting and processing data, analyzing and interpreting results -- and using the information to make more informed project decisions. Finally, they present three detailed, diverse case studies drawn from highly software-intensive projects. The book contains a detailed glossary, bibliography, and the complete Department of Defense Implementation Guide, which has been used by thousands of software developers to implement this book's techniques.

PSM provides you with a way to realize the significant benefits of a software measurement program, while understanding and avoiding the risks involved with a “blind jump.” You’ll find this book a worthwhile starting point for your future software measurement initiatives, as well as a source of continuing guidance as you chart your way through the sea of complex opportunities ahead.
—Barry Boehm, from the Foreword

Objective, meaningful, and quantifiable measurement is critical to the successful development of today’s complex software systems. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and a rapidly increasing number of commercial practitioners, Practical Software Measurement (PSM) is a process for designing and implementing a project-based software measurement program. PSM provides essential information on scheduling, resource allocation, and technological performance. It enables software managers and developers to make decisions that will affect the project’s outcome positively.

This book is the official, definitive guide to PSM written by the leaders of the PSM development initiative. It describes the principles and practices for developing, operating, and continuously improving your organization’s measurement program. It uses real-world examples to illustrate practical solutions and specific measurement techniques. This book examines the foundations of a software measurement program in depth, defining and prioritizing information needs, developing a project-specific information model, tailoring a process model to integrate measurement activities, and analyzing and understanding the results.

Specific topics include:

The relationship between project- and organizational-level measurement

Defining an information-driven, project-specific measurement plan

Performing measurement activities and collecting data

The basics of data analysis, including estimation, feasibility analysis, and performance analysis

Evaluating the effectiveness of the measurement processes and activities

Sustaining organizational commitment to a measurement program

Key measurement success factors and best practices

In addition, this book includes numerous detailed examples of measurement constructs typically applied to software projects, as well as two comprehensive case studies that illustrate the implementation of a measurement program in different types of projects. With this book you will have the understanding and information you need to realize the significant benefits of PSM as well as a guide for a long-term, organization-wide measurement program.

PSM is founded on the contributions and collaboration of key practitioners in the software measurement field. The initiative was established in 1994 by John McGarry and is currently managed by Cheryl Jones. Both are civilians employed by the U.S. Army. David Card is an internationally known software measurement expert, and is with the Software Productivity Consortium. Beth Layman, Elizabeth Clark, Joseph Dean, and Fred Hall have been primary contributors to PSM since its inception.

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