Measuring unmeasurable attributes of software quality using Pragmatic Quality Factor

Abstract

Software quality is evolving beyond static measurement to a wider scope of quality definition. Previous studies have indicated the importance of human aspect in software quality. But the quality models have not included comprehensively this aspect together with the behavioural aspect of software quality. This research has proposed a Pragmatic Quality Factors (or PQF) as a software quality measurement and metrics that includes both aspects of quality. These aspects of quality are essential as to balance between technical and non-technical (human) facet. In addition, this model provides flexibility by giving priorities and weights to the quality attributes. The priority and weight are necessary to reflect business requirement in the real business environment. Therefore, it is more practical that suits with different users and purposes. It is implemented through collaborative perspective approach between users, developers and independent assessor. This model shows how the unmeasurable characteristics can be measured indirectly using measures and metrics approach. It has been tested involving assessment and certification exercises in real case studies in Malaysia.