1.4 What are Key Methods for ROI of SPI?

The key methods for ROI of SPI include analyzing SPI studies, conducting literature surveys, and collecting cost-benefit data. This also includes researching ROI studies and data, examining the cost of quality, and performing cost modeling. Studying defect models, conducting benchmarking studies, using pilots, and collecting long- term data are also key methods.

The key methods have been purposely arranged in order of increasing complexity. They have been arranged from the easiest and most cost-effective means to the most difficult and expensive approaches. It is ironic that the most effective methods for ROI of SPI are often the simplest and least expensive. Conversely, the most difficult and cost-prohibitive methods for ROI of SPI are often the most risk intensive . The difficult methods are generally not worth the time and trouble. They can be hazardous to a person's political career and undermine one's power and status.

It is ironic that some people would insist that you place your hand in a fire for a long time to determine its temperature. That only results in a trip to the hospital and a long and painful recovery. In other words, you don't have to burn yourself to learn that a fire can be very hot. The same principle applies here. Use your head, or your brain to be more specific. Apply a small and inexpensive amount of effort to learning what others have spent millions of dollars to learn firsthand. Use reliable sources of data to help you zero in and focus on the methods that will offer the greatest ROI of SPI. Then, when you have collected some convincing hard data, begin with small-scale piloting and experimentation.