Recommendations

Planning the Metrics Process

Metrics programs must also be planned. A simple Measurement Plan Outline is shown in Exhibit 1. This is admittedly, a very simple outline for your metrics planning. Be sure to discuss how each metric will be collected, why, how it ties back to business objectives or problems, the format to be used to define and document each metric, and why everything discussed is relevant to the reader. The List of Measurements in the Measurement Plan needs to include your project's and organization's definition of each measure. Do not assume that because you know what a "defect" is that everyone else has the same definition in mind. Be sure to keep your definition practical. Defining metrics is not an academic exercise.

Exhibit 1: Measurement Plan Outline

1. Introduction (Purpose, Scope)

2. Organizational and Project Issues

3. Overall Measurement Approach

4. Approach for Project Management Metrics

5. Approach for Technical Metrics

6. Approach for Introducing Metrics into the Organization

7. How Metrics Will Be Collected and Used

8. Roles and Responsibilities

9. Communication/Feedback Plan

10. List of Measurements