Introductory Notes

The Measurement and Analysis process area involves the following:

• Specifying the objectives of measurement and analysis such that they are aligned with identified information needs and objectives

• Specifying the measures, data collection and storage mechanisms, analysis techniques, and reporting and feedback mechanisms

• Implementing the collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of the data

• Providing objective results that can be used in making informed decisions, and taking appropriate corrective actions

The integration of measurement and analysis activities into the processes of the project supports the following:

• Objective planning and estimating

• Tracking actual performance against established plans and objectives

• Identifying and resolving process-related issues

• Providing a basis for incorporating measurement into additional processes in the future

The staff required to implement a measurement capability may or may not be employed in a separate organization-wide program. Measurement capability may be integrated into individual projects or other organizational functions (e.g., Quality Assurance).

The initial focus for measurement activities is at the project level. However, a measurement capability may prove useful for addressing organization-and/or enterprise-wide information needs.

Projects may choose to store project-specific data and results in a project-specific repository. When data are shared more widely across projects, the data may reside in the organization's measurement repository.

For Supplier Sourcing

Measurement and analysis of the product components provided by suppliers is essential for effective management of the quality and costs of the project. It may be possible, with careful management of supplier agreements, to provide insight into the data that support supplier-performance analysis.