Book Description Software Project Management: Measures for Improving Performance focuses on more than the mechanics of project execution. By showing the reader how to identify and solve real world problems that put schedule, cost, and quality at risk, this guide gets to the heart of improving project control and performance. • Identify measurement needs and goals • Determine what measures to use to maximize the value of data • Interpret data and report the results • Diagnose quality and productivity issues • Use metrics data to solve real problems This is a must-read for project managers and engineering managers working in organizations where deadlines are tight, the workload is daunting, and daily crises are the rule rather than the exception. The text provides simple run rate data through progressively advanced measures, as well as: • Examples that show you how to combine measures to solve complex problems • Exercises that guide you through best practices for metric program development and implementation From beginning to end, Software Project Management: Measures for Improving Performance guides you to improved project performance — long before you turn the last page! Show and hide more
Table of Contents
Cover Title Page Copyright Page Dedication About the Author Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. Measures, Goals, and Strategies Measuring Performance within a Project Two Ways to Use Measurement What Is Software Measurement? What Do You Want to Accomplish with Measurement? A Commitment to the Future Think Globally, Act Locally Identify Areas of Opportunity Select an Operational Measure and Strategy A Strategy for Addressing Product Quality A Strategy for Addressing Productivity and Workflow Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 1-1: A Clear Rationale Exercise 1-2: A Strategy to Meet Real Needs Chapter 2. Implementing a Measurement Architecture Measures Are Answers to Questions The ISO/IEC 15939 Architecture Measurable Concepts Base Measures Derived Measures Models and Indicators Putting the Architecture to Work Step 1: Identify When, Where, and What to Measure Step 2: Determine the Details Step 3: Establish the Architecture Step 4: Identify Tools and Infrastructure Requirements A Typical Measurement Implementation Base Measures Derived Measures Indicators Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 2-1: Identifying Information Needs Exercise 2-2: Learning from History Exercise 2-3: Approaching Measurement as Risk Mitigation Exercise 2-4: Selecting a Strategy and an Implementation Plan Chapter 3. Applying the Basics: Run Rates Proceed with Caution The Key Attributes of Defects and Time Defects, Defects, Everywhere What Is a Product Defect? What Is a Process Defect? How to Use Defect Run Rates Interpreting Defect Run Rate Data Project Events Affecting Run Rates Static and Dynamic Test Approaches Dynamic Test Events Time Period for Release Phases What Do You Mean, You Aren’t Done Yet? Project Time vs. Work Time Typical Time and Effort Run Rates The Hidden Danger of Blocked Time Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 3-1: Interpreting Defect Run Rates Chapter 4. Behind the Lines: Attribute Analyses Key Defect Attributes Defect Status and Productivity Example: Defect Rates and States Injection Phase and the Development Process Example: The Significance of Injection Rates Detection Phase and Quality Control Example: The Ones That Got Away Key Time and Effort Attributes Putting the Pieces Together: Iterative Development Risk Analysis Problem Report Tracking System Requirements Injection Phase Detection Phase Effect of Change Documentation Affected Prioritization Configuration Information Report Status and History Defect/Fix Status Time Fields Should You Measure Defect “Severity” Ratings? Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 4-1: Looking into the Future Exercise 4-2: Interpreting Detection Phase Data Exercise 4-3: Interpreting Injection Phase Data Exercise 4-4: Applying Injection and Detection Phases Exercise 4-5: Reviewing Your Problem Report Tracking Exercise 4-6: Personal Time Tracking Exercise 4-7: A Project Team Exercise in Defect Injection and Risk Mitigation Chapter 5. Measuring Up: Historical Data and Indicators Using Previous Release Data Using Indicators Phase Containment Indicator Sample Application Defect Density Indicator Sample Application A Twist on the Earned Value Indicator Application Sample Application Cost of Quality/Poor Quality Indicator Cost Types and Categories Sample Application: Cost of Poor Quality Sample Application: Combining Cost of Poor Quality with Earned Value Putting the Pieces Together Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 5-1: Historical Data Comparisons Exercise 5-2: Using Defect Rates and Attributes Exercise 5-3: Creating a Measurement Specification Chapter 6. Graphical Display of Data Guidelines for Common Graph Types Data Tables Line Charts Bar Charts Pie Charts Area Charts Graphical Pitfalls Focus and Vibration Details and Clutter Fonts, Weights, and Patterns Applying What You’ve Learned Exercise 6-1: Release Profile Chapter 7. Reality Check: The Human Side of the Numbers No News Isn’t Always Good News Are We Ready to Ship? Some Cheese with the Whine That’s My Resource! Sizing Up the Situation Know When to Use Plan B Applying What You’ve Learned Appendix A. The Rationale for “Mixed-Methods” Measures Appendix B. An Alternative Approach to Severity and Priority Further Reading Index