Experiences introducing a measurement program

Engineering Information Abstracts (Part II) Conference Title: Proceedings of the 1997 4th International Software Metrics Symposium Conference Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Conference Date: 19971105-19971107 Source: International Software Metrics Symposium, Proceedings 1997. IEEE Comp Soc, Los Alamitos, CA, USA,97TB100196. p 54-62 CODEN: 85QFAO Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: Software quality classification models can make timely predictions of the class of a module, such as not fault-prone or fault-prone, to generally minimize the number of misclassifications. These models can significantly benefit from minimizing the expected cost of misclassification, rather than just the number of misclassifications. This is necessary when misclassification costs for not fault-prone modules are different from those of fault-prone modules. The principles are presented using a nonparametric discriminant analysis. 13 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98024040532 Keywords: Software engineering; Quality assurance; Computer simulation; Program debugging; Computer software selection and evaluation; Real time systems Title: INTRODUCING RIGOROUS METRICS SPECIFICATION AND VERIFICATION INTO A MEASUREMENT PROGRAM Author(s): Maurice, F.; Benzekri, A.; Raynaud, Y. Corporate Source: Universite Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, Fr Conference Title: Proceedings of the 1997 4th International Software Metrics Symposium Conference Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Conference Date: 19971105-19971107 Source: International Software Metrics Symposium, Proceedings 1997. IEEE Comp Soc, Los Alamitos, CA, USA,97TB100196. p 12-19 CODEN: 85QFAO Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: A methodology including the essential steps for any software measurement activity is described. Based on previous and original works, this methodology allows to specify, verify and validate metrics. Related to a defined goal, metrics are specified using a formal notation and then verified. Validating predictive metrics is a crucial task for any goal aiming at improving software processes or products. Potential issues and precautions that must be taken during the validation phase are presented. In order to illustrate the defined approach, an industrial application of the methodology is presented. ŽAuthor abstract . Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98024040528 Keywords: Software engineering; Computer software selection and evaluation; Quality assurance Title: EVALUATING THE INTERRATER AGREEMENT OF PROCESS CAPABILITY RATINGS Author(s): Fusaro, Pierfrancesco; El Emam, Khaled; Smith, Bob Corporate Source: Fraunhofer Inst for Experimental Software Engineering, Ger Conference Title: Proceedings of the 1997 4th International Software Metrics Symposium Conference Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Conference Date: 19971105-19971107 Source: International Software Metrics Symposium, Proceedings 1997. IEEE Comp Soc, Los Alamitos, CA, USA,97TB100196. p 2-11 CODEN: 85QFAO

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Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: The reliability of process assessments has received some study in the recent past, much of it being conducted within the context of the SPICE trials. In this paper we build upon this work by evaluating the reliability of ratings on each of the practices that make up the SPICE capability dimension. The type of reliability that we evaluate is interrater agreement: the agreement amongst independent assessors’ capability ratings. Interrater agreement was found to be generally high. We also identify one particular practice that exhibits low agreement in its ratings. ŽAuthor abstract . 20 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98024040527 Keywords: Software engineering; Quality assurance; Reliability; Computer software selection and evaluation Title: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1997 4TH INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE METRICS SYMPOSIUM Author(s): Anon ŽEd.. Conference Title: Proceedings of the 1997 4th International Software Metrics Symposium Conference Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Conference Date: 19971105-19971107 Source: International Software Metrics Symposium, Proceedings 1997. IEEE Comp Soc, Los Alamitos, CA, USA,97TB100196. 173p CODEN: 85QFAO Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: The proceedings contains 18 papers from the Fourth International Software Metrics Symposium. Topics discussed include: interrater agreement of process capability ratings; metrics and laws of software evolution; unified framework for cohesion measurement in object oriented systems; software process assessment; gray-box testing; embedded data flow design; heuristic risk assessment technique; real time software systems; learning theory; and configuration management. In English EI Order Number: EIP98024039555 Keywords: Software engineering; Computer software selection and evaluation; Program debugging; Object oriented programming; Codes Žsymbols. ; Quality assurance; Ada Žprogramming language.; Database systems; Data structures; Flowcharting Title: EXPERIENCES INTRODUCING A MEASUREMENT PROGRAM Author(s): De Panfilis, S.; Kitchenham, B.; Morfuni, N. Corporate Source: Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A., Roma, Italy Source: Information and Software Technology v 39 n 11 1997. p 745-754 CODEN: ISOTE7 ISSN: 0950-5849 Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: Measurement is an integral part of total quality management and process improvement strategies. This paper describes our experiences using the Goal-Question-Metric ŽGQM. paradigm to help design a company-wide measurement program for Engineering Ingegneria S.p.A., an Italian software house. The introduction of the measurement program was supported by the Commission of the European Communities within the European Software and Systems Initiative ŽESSI. as a Process Improvement Experiment ŽPIE.. We found it necessary to supplement GQM into two ways. Firstly, we defined our measures rigorously in terms of enti-

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ties, attributes, units and counting rules. Secondly, the original GQM plan was subject to an independent review. The most critical problem identified by the review was that the GQM plan identified too many productivity factors for any statistical analysis to handle concurrently. In order to address this issue, we developed an analysis technique based on a step-wise analysis of residuals. This has allowed us to identify the main factors affecting productivity and effort. ŽAuthor abstract . 8 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98014034661 Keywords: Software engineering; Computer software selection and evaluation; Quality assurance; Statistical methods; Total quality management Title: FORMAL SPECIFICATIONS MATURITY MODEL Author(s): Fraser, Martin D.; Vaishnavi, Vijay K. Corporate Source: Georgia State Univ, Atlanta, GA, USA Source: Communications of the ACM v 40 n 12 Dec 1997. p 95-103 CODEN: CACMA2 ISSN: 0001-0782 Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: A measurement model is proposed to determine the capability maturity levels of formal specification processes in software development environments. An operationalized version of the measurement model is developed based on a ranking strategies for incorporating formal specifications into the software development process. The strength of the operationalized model is that it automatically provides feedback on how to attain the next maturity level. This feedback feature makes the measurement model a viable candidate for inclusion in standards and regulatory policies as well as a process tool for an organization to use in a program of self-assessment and self-improvement. 12 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98014033681 Keywords: Software engineering; Computer hardware description languages; Formal logic; Mathematical models; Fault tolerant computer systems Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORK QUALITY Author(s): Andersson, Thorbjorn; von Hellens, Liisa A. Corporate Source: Abo Akademi Univ, Turku, Finl Source: Information and Software Technology v 39 n 12 Dec 1 1997. p 837-844 CODEN: ISOTE7 ISSN: 0950-5849 Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: It is suggested that the multi-perspective nature of information systems ŽIS. quality, representing the manifold interest groups involved, is the very reason why attempts to develop any general purpose quality model for information systems tend to be fruitless. This paper develops the concept is IS work quality by utilizing the existing SOLE ŽSOftware Library Evolution. quality model by Eriksson and Torn Ž1991., and builds upon the elements which particularly address the quality of IS work practices by discussing the management issues that affect those elements and are necessary to assure and maintain the quality of systems evolution and use. The model of information systems work quality proposed in this article provides a framework that allows the consideration of different work contexts and the specific needs of an organization when evaluating the quality of the information system at hand and its benefits to the organization. The IS work quality

construct broadens the software quality concepts as it caters for the diverse needs of organizations and work contexts. ŽAuthor abstract . 20 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98014032555 Keywords: Management information systems; Quality assurance; Computer software selection and evaluation; Information use Title: CHALLENGES TO IS QUALITY Author(s): Dahlberg, Tomi; Jarvinen, Janne Corporate Source: Finnish Export Credit Ltd, Helsinki, Finl Source: Information and Software Technology v 39 n 12 Dec 1 1997. p 809-818 CODEN: ISOTE7 ISSN: 0950-5849 Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: Investing in quality was popular in the early 1990s. Several approaches were developed, but it seems that none of them provides a solution that is generally accepted and adequately detailed for both scientific and practical purposes within the IS field. We claim that most quality approaches concentrate too much on the technical and control oriented aspects of managing quality thus causing unsatisfactory results. There is a need and a demand for better quality practice that can be attained through cooperation between practitioners and researchers. This paper discusses these challenges to IS quality and presents some suggestions for bridging the gap. ŽAuthor abstract . 48 Refs. In English EI Order Number: EIP98014032552 Keywords: Management information systems; Quality assurance; Computer software Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS QUALITY VERSUS SOFTWARE QUALITY - A DISCUSSION FROM A MANAGERIAL, AN ORGANIZATIONAL AND AN ENGINEERING VIEWPOINT Author(s): von Hellens, L.A. Corporate Source: Griffith Univ, Brisbane, Aust Source: Information and Software Technology v 39 n 12 Dec 1 1997. p 801-808 CODEN: ISOTE7 ISSN: 0950-5849 Publication Year: 1997 Abstract: The differences between software quality and information systems quality are discussed from three different viewpoints - managerial, organizational, and engineering - to assist the development of quality improvement programs. The article uses interviews with open ended questions, with three experienced researchers in the information technology field, each representing one of the three viewpoints. It explores the management strategies for IS quality and software quality and discusses how the three distinct ontology and epistemology bases affect the views on quality from the three viewpoints; and questions the relevance of quantitative assessment of software quality to information systems quality. After considering quality improvement as a process reflecting, and influenced by, the interaction between customer and supplier, we outline strategies for organizational change to achieve continuous improvement of information systems quality. The article concludes that though the three perspectives are not mutually exclusive as they all address IT utilization in organi-