Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers [Hardcover]

John McGarry (Author), David Card (Author), Cheryl Jones (Author), Beth Layman (Author), Elizabeth Clark (Author), Joseph Dean (Author), Fred Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2001

Now that software is embedded in nearly every human endeavor, measuring software's effectiveness and value has become utterly crucial. Practical Software Measurement introduces proven techniques for implementing quantitative software metrics covering quality, cost, schedule -- and demonstrates how to leverage your measurements for smarter decision-making and more efficient project management. Practical Software Measurement begins with a high-level summary of the key issues associated with software metrics, and a practical overview of what it takes to implement measurement on a software-intensive project. The authors show how to identify project issues, and build an effective measurement plan -- providing detailed tables and expert guidance on choosing the best possible metrics. Next, they review the logistics of collecting and processing data, analyzing and interpreting results -- and using the information to make more informed project decisions. Finally, they present three detailed, diverse case studies drawn from highly software-intensive projects. The book contains a detailed glossary, bibliography, and the complete Department of Defense Implementation Guide, which has been used by thousands of software developers to implement this book's techniques.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

PSM provides you with a way to realize the significant benefits of a software measurement program, while understanding and avoiding the risks involved with a “blind jump.” You’ll find this book a worthwhile starting point for your future software measurement initiatives, as well as a source of continuing guidance as you chart your way through the sea of complex opportunities ahead.
—Barry Boehm, from the Foreword

Objective, meaningful, and quantifiable measurement is critical to the successful development of today’s complex software systems. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and a rapidly increasing number of commercial practitioners, Practical Software Measurement (PSM) is a process for designing and implementing a project-based software measurement program. PSM provides essential information on scheduling, resource allocation, and technological performance. It enables software managers and developers to make decisions that will affect the project’s outcome positively.

This book is the official, definitive guide to PSM written by the leaders of the PSM development initiative. It describes the principles and practices for developing, operating, and continuously improving your organization’s measurement program. It uses real-world examples to illustrate practical solutions and specific measurement techniques. This book examines the foundations of a software measurement program in depth, defining and prioritizing information needs, developing a project-specific information model, tailoring a process model to integrate measurement activities, and analyzing and understanding the results.

Specific topics include:

The relationship between project- and organizational-level measurement

Defining an information-driven, project-specific measurement plan

Performing measurement activities and collecting data

The basics of data analysis, including estimation, feasibility analysis, and performance analysis

Evaluating the effectiveness of the measurement processes and activities

Sustaining organizational commitment to a measurement program

Key measurement success factors and best practices

In addition, this book includes numerous detailed examples of measurement constructs typically applied to software projects, as well as two comprehensive case studies that illustrate the implementation of a measurement program in different types of projects. With this book you will have the understanding and information you need to realize the significant benefits of PSM as well as a guide for a long-term, organization-wide measurement program.

PSM is founded on the contributions and collaboration of key practitioners in the software measurement field. The initiative was established in 1994 by John McGarry and is currently managed by Cheryl Jones. Both are civilians employed by the U.S. Army. David Card is an internationally known software measurement expert, and is with the Software Productivity Consortium. Beth Layman, Elizabeth Clark, Joseph Dean, and Fred Hall have been primary contributors to PSM since its inception.

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About the Author

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 1 edition (October 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201715163
• ISBN-13: 978-0201715163
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Off-the-shelf processes for CMMM level 3 and above orgs, March 21, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers (Hardcover)

There is a wealth of material available from the PSM site, including the PSM Insight application and PSM Guidebook. However this book is not redundant because it is structured as a clearly written introduction to practical software measurement, that includes excellent guidance for implementing it into your organization. In addition, the 304 pages that comprise this book manages to convey the information contained in the existing PSM documentation, and does so much more succinctly.

I found the most valuable parts of this book to be the clearly described measurement model, and the way the authors distinguish between data that is useful to projects and organizational data collection and analysis. This material places PSM in context and is a sound starting point for an organizational SQA initiative.

The case studies reinforces the mechanics of PSM, and also contain advice and pointers for implementing enterprise-wide measurement. Although I've been following the PSM initiative almost since its inception and have read all of the copious materials available, I still gained much from this book. If you're establishing an SQA function or striving for CMM level 4 or above you'll find this book invaluable. The URLs provided will lead to even more material, including a free Windows-based software tool that fully supports the practical software measurement process.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Standard for Software Measurement Programs, May 26, 2002

By 

MAURICIO AGUIAR (Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers (Hardcover)

I would rate this book ****** if it were possible. If you are looking for material on how to start a "software metrics program", look no further. This is the ultimate reference on software measurement initiatives. The PSM method is compatible with the CMMI (Measurement & Analysis Process Area) and the foundation for the ISO/IEC 15939 standard. All of the authors are recognized authorities in software measurement and process improvement. Dr. Barry Boehm (COCOMO author) has written the foreword. The PSM process is sponsored by the DoD and the U.S. Army. The book itself is comprehensive, well-written, and easy to read. It provides ready-to-use templates such as "Measurement Construct Template", "Project Measurement Plan Outline", and "Data Verification Checklist". Chapter outline:

1 - Measurement: Key Concepts and Practices
2 - Measurement Information Model
3 - Plan Measurement
4 - Perform Measurement
5 - Analysis Techniques
6 - Evaluate Measurement
7 - Establish and Sustain Commitment
8 - Measure for Success
Appendix A - Measurement Construct Examples
Appendix B - Information System Case Study
Appendix C - Synergy Integrated Copier Case Study

Note: Appendix A provides 14 detailed, complete examples of measurement constructs ("metrics"). Appendixes B and C provide 2 comprehensive case studies (approximately 60 pages).

It would require at least a 2-day workshop to address all the information provided by this book (probably at 10 times its price). You can't afford to miss it if you are more than casually interested in software measurement. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a life saver!!!, June 16, 2008

By 

Processes "IQ Man" - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers (Hardcover)

We as users of the PSM with years of experience in the quality and measurements world tend to over complicate the measurement system we develop. This book is a yardstick and is a good tool to ground you when you are creating the measurements. It keeps your mind in the more simple and effective road to resolving the issues. Remember the old saying, "Keep it simple stupid (KISS)!"; this one helps guide you to accomplishment of this goal.