Introduction

The intent of this case study is to provide visibility into a benchmark software development organization that currently uses CoSQ to document the results of its improvement program and to observe how CoSQ concepts relate to the consistent production of high-quality software. The Raytheon Electronic Systems (RES) organization was chosen as a case study subject because, using a CoSQ approach, it was able to show specific, measured benefits from its software improvement activities. See the discussion of RES CoSQ activities in Chapter 4's section on Software Quality Costs.^[1]

Although RES is in the contract systems business, it is similar in many ways to the commercial software supplier who wants to achieve a successful and profitable business by satisfying customers with a high-quality software (or system) product delivered on time and within budget. Although there are many reasons to use CoSQ in an organization, RES used it to measure and demonstrate the effects of its ongoing software improvement program. Specifically, CoSQ was used to show the costs and benefits of its investments over the chronology of its improvement program. This is a good example of the way in which a few leading organizations are using CoSQ today.