An Instrument for Assessing Software Measurement Programs

Abstract

This paper reports on the development and validation of an instrument for the collection of empirical data on the establishment and conduct of software measurement programs. The instrument is distinguished by a novel emphasis on defining the context in which a software measurement program operates. This emphasis is perceived to be the key to 1) generating knowledge about measurement programs that can be generalised to various contexts, and, 2) supporting a contingency approach to the conduct of measurement programs. A pilot study of thirteen measurement programs was carried out to trial the instrument. Analysis of this data suggests that collecting observations of software measurement programs with the instrument will lead to more complete knowledge of program success factors that will provide assistance to practitioners in an area that has proved notoriously difficult.