Measuring and Improving Agile Processes in a Small-Size Software Development Company

Michal Choras,Silverio Martinez-Fernandez,Tomasz Springer,Pilar Rodriguez,Rafal Kozik,Prabhat Ram,Lidia Lopez,Xavier Franch

doi:10.1109/access.2020.2990117

Abstract

Context: Agile software development has become commonplace in software development companies due to the numerous benefits it provides. However, conducting Agile projects is demanding in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), because projects start and end quickly, but still have to fulfil customers’ quality requirements. Objective: This paper aims at reporting a practical experience on the use of metrics related to the software development process as a means supporting SMEs in the development of software following an Agile methodology. Method: We followed Action-Research principles in a Polish small-size software development company. We developed and executed a study protocol suited to the needs of the company, using a pilot case. Results: A catalogue of Agile development process metrics practically validated in the context of a small-size software development company, adopted by the company in their Agile projects. Conclusions: Practitioners may adopt these metrics in their Agile projects, especially if working in an SME, and customise them to their own needs and tools. Academics may use the findings as a baseline for new research work, including new empirical studies.

Highlights

Agile development methodologies are widely adopted nowadays by software development companies of every kind [37]
PROCESS METRICS DEFINITION In the Action taking phase of the Action-Research cycle, the ITTI CONTRA Scrum Team and the research team discussed and analysed what type of GitLab-based process metrics they consider candidates for assessing the Agile development processes at CONTRA. These metrics were implemented in the CONTRA case in order to understand their significance
PROCESS METRICS ASSESSMENT we report the impact from using the process metrics in the CONTRA pilot project on the three research questions: (a) monitoring process performance, (b) keeping a stable product quality level, and (c) improving the estimation of tasks during sprints

Summary

Introduction

Agile development methodologies are widely adopted nowadays by software development companies of every kind [37]. In many software development companies, teams are using various specific tools (such as Jira, GitLab and SonarQube) in order to support the development process and the quality of the code and products. This is usually done in a regular retrospective meeting that involves all the team. A. PROCESS METRICS FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT The scientific literature shows that measurement is integral to understanding, predicting and assessing software development projects [12], [42]. Software development involves many processes, and measurement enables us to characterize, control, predict, and improve those processes [28]. Measuring software processes allows learning about the quality of the software product [33], [41]

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