8.5 SUBJECT FAMILIARIZATION

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8.5 SUBJECT FAMILIARIZATION

Once the team is assigned, the work of the feasibility study can begin in earnest. We have to realize that we will only be able to fully convince the organization of the benefits of Software Metrics by demonstrating the successful use of those metrics within the organization itself. This activity is really piloting the use of Software Metrics rather than demonstrating their feasibility.

To demonstrate feasibility we will need to show that Software Metrics can potentially be used by the organization, the key word being "potentially." The easiest way to achieve this is to show that the way in which others have successfully used metrics is applicable to our own organization. This involves three distinct tasks:

  • First we have to become aware of what others have done;

  • second, we have to establish the needs of our own organization; and, third,

  • we will have to map what others have done to our own organization's needs and present this information in some form.

The team will almost certainly have a very limited understanding of Software Metrics when they start the work so they will need to gain a broader and more detailed appreciation of the subject. Books and technical papers are obvious sources of information. These will provide valuable background information about Software Metrics in theory and, to a more limited extent, in practice. The books and papers will also provide pointers to other sources of information that can be explored.

One of the best ways of learning about the practical use of Software Metrics is to talk to other practitioners. One of the most pleasant aspects of working in this field is that people are almost invariably willing to share their knowledge and experience, even to the extent of arranging visits to their own organizations to discuss the topic. Take advantage of this as I have and you will have the privilege of sharing time and experiences with some of the best people around..

Other sources of information are certain of the so-called "academics" who are often more practical than they are given credit for and, of course, consultants. Talking to both academics and consultants can be a very cost-effective way to gain an introduction to the subject area.

There are a small number of formal training courses that have recently appeared that deal with the subject of Software Metrics. These tend to concentrate on the theory of the metrics themselves rather than the implementation of a Software Metrics program but, again, they can provide a useful introduction to the subject.



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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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