Applying Software Metrics (Practitioners) [Paperback]

Paul Oman (Author), Shari Lawrence Pfleeger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0818676450 | ISBN-13: 978-0818676451 | Publication Date: November 13, 1996 | Edition: 1

Features a useful collection of important and practical papers on applying software metrics and measurement. The book details the importance of planning a successful measurement program with a complete discussion of why, what, where, when, and how to measure and who should be involved. Each chapter addresses these significant questions and provides the essential answers in building an effective measurement program.

The book differs from others on the market by focusing on the application of the metrics rather than the metrics themselves. The author's provide information based on actual experience with successful metrics programs. Each chapter includes a case study focusing on technology transfer and a set of recommended references. The book serves as a guide on the use and application of software metrics in industrial environments. It is specially designed for managers, product supervisors, and quality assurance personnel who want to know how to implement a metrics program.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The answers to why, what, where, when, and how to measure is in your hands. Applying Software Metrics features a useful collection of important and practical papers on software metrics and measurement. The book explores the importance of planning a successful measurement program and examines who should be involved in the process. Each chapter addresses these significant questions and provides the essential answers in building an effective measurement program.

The book differs from others on the market by focusing on the application of the metrics rather than the metrics themselves. The chapters provide information based on actual experience with successful metrics programs. Each chapter includes a case study focusing on technology transfer and a set of recommended references. It is a guide on the use and application of software metrics in industrial environments. The book is specially designed for managers, product supervisors, and quality assurance personnel who want to know how to implement a metrics program.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Computer Society Pr; 1 edition (November 13, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0818676450
• ISBN-13: 978-0818676451
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,636,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and rich with information on the subject, March 16, 2004

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Applying Software Metrics (Practitioners) (Paperback)

This book is a coherent collection of articles covering the whys, whats and hows of applying software metrics. Unlike other books that are actually compendiums, this one reads and is structured as though a single author wrote it. Moreover, it is not high-level theory, but a practical book that thoroughly explains how to actually apply software metrics.

Chapter 1, "Why Measure" contains seven articles by industry experts that make a strong case for measurement and its benefits. The three most important articles are Software Risk Management by Barry W. Boehm, Successfully Applying Software Metrics by Robert B. Grady, and Using Metrics to Manage Software Projects by Edward F. Weller. Readers familiar with top experts in the field will recognize the names of the authors, which indicates the highly credible material.

What to measure is covered in Chapter 2, and of the five articles, "Software Metrics in the Process Maturity Framework" by Shari Lawrence Pfleeger and Clement McGowan is (in my opinion) the most useful. Chapters 3 (How is Measuring Done?) and 4 (How are Metrics Used?) collectively contain eleven articles, and it is in these chapters where the most practical information is imparted. Among the articles I found especially useful and practical are - Key Lessons in Achieving Widespread Inspection Use by Robert B. Grady and Tom Van Slack, A Case Study in SQA Audits by Paul W. Oman, and Using Metrics to Evaluate Software System Maintainability. The book ends with the five articles in Chapter 5, which address how to improve a metrics program. Each of the articles provides insights into one or more aspects of a software metrics program process improvement initiative.

This book is better suited to software engineering managers and SQA professionals. Because the material presented is not deeply technical, and supports making a business case for implementing a software metrics program, this book is also valuable to IT managers and CIOs.