SM/ASM 2000 - Software Management & Applications of Software Measurement

Function points have occupied a difficult place in software metrics. They correlate well with development effort, but their use has been hindered in part by the difficulty of learning them. Lee Fischman discusses Galorath's efforts to achieve a revolutionary reduction in time-to-learn by lessening unfamiliar nomenclature and methodological excess. Learn how function points can be simplified for use by everyone within your organization.

This presentation describes an approach to initiating and conducting a metrics program that takes advantage of existing measurement/tracking infrastructure without adding significant extra tasks and reporting responsibilities. Scott Duncan identifies three areas where measurement data may already exist. Learn how to work with management and staff in these areas to make use of the data being collected.

This presentation focuses on the work necessary to implement metrics in an organization recently assessed at level 1. Gain an understanding of why a metrics program must coordinate with ongoing software process improvement activities to be successful. Learn the "soft" skills needed to effectively implement a metrics program in your organization.

Good data feedback of software measurements is critical when analyzing measurement data, for drawing conclusions, and as the basis for taking action. Feedback to those involved in the activities being measured helps validate the data as well. In this presentation Ben Linders shows examples of how Ericsson Telecommunications delivers feedback at two levels: projects and the total development center. Although the basics are similar, the application differs, and the key success factors depend on the level and the audience.