Chapter 13: Section 2: A Summary

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OVERVIEW

As you will have gathered by now, the development and implementation of a Software Metrics program is not something that should be undertaken lightly. Section 2 of this book has attempted to provide a guide through the complexities of such an undertaking but it may be worth summarizing the key messages of Section 2. I will endeavor to do that now.

So the aim of this chapter is to summarize the messages of the preceding chapters as succinctly as possible. The question is, how can I do this? What I would like to do is present to you a set of slides (figures) that summarize the overall approach to Software Metrics programs contained within this book. These slides have been used on real, live audiences and seem to go down quite well. In fact, they have formed the backbone of this book as I have been writing it and are as much the foundation as the summary. As to what use you make of these figures in the future, that is entirely up to you. If any of them could be used to get your message across, then please feel free to reproduce them as required.

We start with what this book is about. Figure 13.1 is the title slide of this show and it says quite clearly that the Implementation of Software Metrics programs, in my opinion, relies on the use of a project based approach. Having read section two you are well aware of that already. Let us move on.

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Figure 13.1: A Project-Based Approach

Looking at Figure 13.2 we consider the scope of Software Metrics as a topic. As the slide shows, I consider the application of Software Metrics to fall under four main categories.

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Figure 13.2: Topic Scope

Management Information is the classic approach to Software Metrics in that it gives managers the information they need to do their job. Without management information they are flying by the seat of their pants and probably do not even know in which direction they are heading. Management Information itself is a very large topic and can typically include the management of procurement as well as more commonly recognized elements such as project productivity measurement or the prediction of quality levels for a product.

Cost Estimation is an area of Software Metrics application that has been widely discussed within our industry. In fact, some people would see cost estimation as "Software Metrics." Cost estimation is important because it is the results that come out of this exercise which drive project planning, bidding for work and probably the whole environment in which our staff work for many months. Poor estimation of project cost can actually drive an organization out of existence.

Having estimated the cost of a project and used this to drive the planning of that project, it is sensible to keep track of progress against that plan. It is here that project control techniques come in. "Will I be on time and within budget?" are simply two of the questions for which this area of Software Metrics seeks to supply answers.

Finally, we can consider Applied Design Metrics. These are measurement-based techniques that can be used to improve the quality of intermediate deliverables produced during the development or maintenance lifecycle. Included in the Applied Design Metrics topic are Information Flow and McCabe metrics.

Given the wide scope of the topic we call Software Metrics and the fact that most organizations are large and complex I suggest that you apply a phasing principle to your program. Target specific topics and specific areas of the organization at a particular time.

I also suggest that the development of a Software Metrics initiative consists of the following stages, as shown in slide Figure 13.3. Adopting a project-based approach to a measurement initiative implies that certain things are considered. For example, plans for the project should exist, reviews should be recognized as necessary, resources should be allocated and management and control mechanisms should be in place.

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Figure 13.3: Basic Strategy



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Software Metrics. Best Practices for Successful It Management
Software Metrics: Best Practices for Successful IT Management
ISBN: 1931332266
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 151
Authors: Paul Goodman

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