Quantitative Framework for Managing Software Life Cycle

ABSTRACT

The paper presents a rigorous and practical way of managing the quantitative yields of new (improved) software engineering methods in the software life cycle. A meaningful set of metrics and models is used to measure the value of applying tailored methods. The value-based framework is proposed as a system of integrated models (such as cost models, productivity models, quality-related models, benefit models, and value-related models) that combine project data and expert opinion. The framework is proactive, as it allows to estimate the value-based metrics of a software engineering method in order to monitor it, improve software quality and convince developers and managers that the method and related investment are worthwhile. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework, the results of a case study are presented and used as an initial validation of the framework.

Keywords:

Software engineeiring models, quantitative models, model systems, software engineering methods, software measurement and metrics, decision framework, value-based framework.