Accuracy of Software Development Activity Data: The Software Cost Reduction Project.
Abstract
This report discusses the accuracy of self-reported programmer activity data and valid ways to analyze the data. We conducted a one-week experiment during which we sampled the activities of five software engineers working on the Software Cost Reduction (SCR) project at the Naval Research Laboratory. We compared the sampled data with activity data submitted 'as usual' by the five engineers on weekly activity reports. The results indicate that the engineers report relatively accurate with the activity report if they make notes of their activity, or if they promptly submit their reports. If engineers do not keep notes of their activities, prompt reporting is critical to ensure the accuracy of reported data. The results also indicate that ratios between activity categories are valid metrics of project activity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 30, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA137639
Entities
People
- A. F. Norcio
- L. J. Chmura
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory