Measurement in software process improvement programmes: An empirical study

Tracy Hall, Nathan Baddoo, David Wilson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper we report on our empirical study of SPI programmes in thirteen UK software companies. We focus on companies’ approaches to SPI and how measurement relates to SPI in those companies. We present quantitative data characterising SPI and measurement in the companies. We discuss how the use of measurement relates to the maturity of software processes and how measurement supports maturing processes. Our results show that companies are generally enthusiastic about implementing measurement and they believe that SPI is impoverished without measurement. However our data shows that in reality companies have implemented very little substantive measurement. Indeed we suggest that companies find implementing measurement within SPI more difficult than they expect. Furthermore, we report on data from software personnel suggesting that companies are reluctant to implement measurement because it is difficult to justify in terms of quick pay backs. Overall our research suggests that despite companies knowing that measurement is fundamental to SPI, it is rarely implemented effectively.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages73-82
Number of pages10
Volume2006 VIII
ISBN (Print)3540417273, 9783540417279
Publication statusPublished - 2001
Event10th International Workshop on Software Measurement, IWSM 2000 - Berlin, Germany
Duration: 4 Oct 20006 Oct 2000

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume2006
ISSN (Print)03029743
ISSN (Electronic)16113349

Conference

Conference10th International Workshop on Software Measurement, IWSM 2000
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityBerlin
Period4/10/006/10/00

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