Software Metrics

Software Metrics

by C. Ravindranath Pandian
Released September 2003
Publisher(s): Auerbach Publications
ISBN: 9781135507169

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Book description

The modern field of software metrics emerged from the computer modeling and "statistical thinking" services of the 1980s. As the field evolved, metrics programs were integrated with project management, and metrics grew to be a major tool in the managerial decision-making process of software companies. This book simplifies software measurement and explains its value as a tool for decision-makers at software companies. Techniques presented in Software Metrics: A Guide to Planning, Analysis, and Application are derived from best practices. The ideas are field-proven, down-to-earth, and straightforward, making it an invaluable resource for those striving for process improvement. This overview helps readers enrich their knowledge of measurements, analysis, and best practices, and demonstrates how ordinary analysis techniques can be applied to achieve extraordinary results. Easy-to-understand tools and techniques show how metrics create models that are indispensable to decision-making in the software industry.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Preface
    1. Highlights
    2. Why This Book Was Written
    3. Acknowledgments
  5. Chapter 1: Software Measurement
    1. A New Order
    2. Measurement In Quality Thinking
    3. Precision In Expression
    4. Representation of Reality
    5. Knowledge Creation
    6. Measurement Technology
    7. Measuring With the Mind: Cognitive Phase
    8. Measuring With Words: Semantic Phase
    9. Measuring With Numbers: Quantitative Phase
    10. The Three Phases Coexist
    11. Measurement Scales
    12. Levels of Measurements
    13. Intrinsic Nature of Measurement
    14. Software Measuring Instruments
    15. Measurement Continuum
    16. The Corner Stone
  6. Chapter 2: Software Metrics
    1. Metrics Mapping
    2. Simple Metrics
    3. Complex Metrics
    4. Metrics Are Organization Specific
    5. Importance of Estimation and Planning In the Context of Metrics
    6. Metrics Vocabulary
    7. Guidelines from Quality Standards
    8. Applying Software Metrics: A Management Perspective
    9. Benefits of Metrics
  7. Chapter 3: Designing a Metrics System
    1. Metrics System
    2. Information-Based Metrics Architecture
    3. Goals: The Drivers
    4. Decision Centers: The New Organization
    5. Models: Knowledge Capsules
    6. Metrics: Indicators–Signals
    7. Measurement: Sensor System
    8. Data Collection
    9. Implementing the Metrics System Architecture
    10. Metrics Planning Approaches
    11. Metrics Planning Document Checklist
  8. Chapter 4: Metrics Data Visualization
    1. Data Analysis
    2. Graphical Analysis
    3. Visualizing Data
    4. Graphical Techniques
    5. Pie Charts: Distribution Analysis
    6. Mapping
    7. Life Cycle Profiles
    8. Effort Profile
    9. Process Compliance Profile
    10. Responsibility Matrix
    11. Resource Balancing
    12. Contours
    13. Radar Charts: A Balanced View
    14. Dynamic Views
    15. Clustering
    16. Data Exploration and Visualization Tools
    17. Data Visualization: Emerging Technology
  9. Chapter 5: Metrics Data Analysis In Frequency Domain
    1. Frequency Distribution: An Analysis Tool
    2. Normal Distribution
    3. Bias: A Process Reality
    4. Deriving Frequency Distribution from Data
    5. Looking At Histograms
    6. Process Capability from Frequency Distribution
    7. Probability
    8. Process Diagnosis
  10. Chapter 6: Metrics Data Analysis In Time Domain
    1. Viewing In Time
    2. Temporal Patterns In Metrics
    3. Process Characterization
    4. Control Charts
    5. Special Forms
    6. Control Chart for Effective Application
    7. Modernism In Process Control: Decision Support Charts
  11. Chapter 7: Metrics Data Analysis In the Relationship Domain
    1. A Fertile Domain
    2. Search for Relationships
    3. Perceiving Relationships
    4. Strength of Relationship: Correlation Coefficient
    5. Causal Relationship and Statistical Correlation
    6. Linear Regression
    7. Linear Regression: Example
    8. Nonlinear Regression Models
    9. Nonlinear Regression Analysis of Productivity
    10. Multiple Linear Regression
    11. Surface Plot
    12. Regression Model Application
    13. Application 1: Process Optimization
    14. Application 2: Forecasting Product Quality
    15. Application 3: Defect Correlation
    16. Application 4: Causal Analysis
    17. Application 5: Demonstrating How Review Makes Customers Happy (Indirectly)
    18. Application 6: A Myth Breaks
    19. Application 7: The Crossover
    20. Application 8: Optimum Team Size?
    21. Application 9: Detecting Hidden Problems
    22. Application 10: Analysis of Defect Discovery Economics
    23. Application 11: Building an Effort Estimation Model
    24. Application 12: Calibration of Intuitive Models
    25. More Applications
  12. Chapter 8: Process Models
    1. From Analysis to Systems Thinking
    2. Model Building: Knowledge Consolidation
    3. Models Using Single Metric (Analytical Models)
    4. Models Using Two Metrics (Regression Models)
    5. Higher-Level Empirical Models
    6. Descriptive Statistics On Multiple Metrics
    7. Multiple Analysis of Single Metrics
    8. Three Analytical Dimensions
    9. Process Diagnostic Panel
    10. Analytical Summary of Single Metric
    11. Global Summary
    12. Process Correlations
    13. Multiple Scatter Plots
    14. Design of Experiment (DOE)
  13. Chapter 9: Estimation Models
    1. Estimation Process
    2. Software Estimation Risks
    3. Estimation Methodologies
    4. Thumb Rules
    5. Delphi Estimate
    6. Golden Rule
    7. Prediction Capability
    8. Prediction Equations
    9. Estimation Algorithms
    10. Estimation Science: The Early Models
    11. Advent of Parametric Models
    12. Calibration
    13. COCOMO
    14. Lookup Table
    15. Equations
    16. COCOMO II.2000 Applications
    17. Tailoring COCOMO
    18. Estimation System
    19. SLIM (Software Life Cycle Management)
    20. SLIM-Estimate
    21. Software Sizing Tools
    22. Estimation Tools
  14. Chapter 10: Metrics for Defect Management
    1. Defect Measurement
    2. Defect Classification
    3. Defect Database
    4. Analysis of Defect Data
    5. Defect Correlation
    6. Defect Driver Matrix
    7. Looking for Consistency
    8. Defect Filter Matrix
    9. Defect Detection Probability
    10. Rayleigh Defect Discovery Model
    11. Three Phases of Reliability Measurement
    12. Reliability Enhancement
    13. Home-Grown Model
    14. Quantitative Defect Management
  15. Chapter 11: Online Use of Metrics
    1. The Challenge
    2. Metrics Intelligence
    3. Metrics Synchronization
    4. Milestone Diary (MSD)
    5. Earned Value Model
    6. Extended Milestone Diary
    7. Responding to Metrics
    8. Discovering “The Factory Within the Factory”
    9. Few Data: Sharp Focus
    10. Choice of Online Metrics
    11. Benefits of Online Metrics
  16. Chapter 12: Metrics-Based Decision Support Systems
    1. Two Systems
    2. The Humble Beginning
    3. Advent of Software Management Tools
    4. Birth of Process Databases
    5. Enterprise Integration
    6. Process Intelligence
    7. A Symbiotic Dependence
    8. An Economic Alternative: Metrics-Based Decision Support Systems (DSS)
  17. Chapter 13: Metrics for Strategic Vision
    1. Beyond the Obvious
    2. Metrics In Project Management
    3. Tailoring Metrics for the Project
    4. Setting Quantitative Goals: Goal–Metrics Correlation (GMC)
    5. GMC Analysis
    6. Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
    7. Risk Estimation
    8. Simulating Schedule Risk
    9. Mapping Risk Using Risk Exposure Number
    10. Analysis of REN
    11. Six Sigma Renaissance
    12. Consummate Vision
  18. Chapter 14: Metrics System Implementation
    1. Toward Truth
    2. No Universal Method
    3. Effective Use of Metrics
    4. Looking At Metrics Data
    5. Applying Metrics
    6. Creating Decision Centers
    7. Equip People With Knowledge At Less Cost
    8. The Marvelous Spreadsheet
    9. Things to Remember During Implementation
    10. Lead With Numbers
    11. Integrated Management
    12. Mirror, Microscope, and Telescope
    13. Unlimited Scope
  19. Bibliography
    1. URLs

Product information

  • Title: Software Metrics
  • Author(s): C. Ravindranath Pandian
  • Release date: September 2003
  • Publisher(s): Auerbach Publications
  • ISBN: 9781135507169