Relative Utility of Selected Software Requirement Metrics
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the relative utility of selected software requirement metrics in assessing the productivity of the software requirements analysis process and the quality of the products of this process. This objective was met by collecting information about the perceptions that practicing software professionals have of the usefulness of various requirement metrics. The study employed a two part methodology. The first part utilized Basili's goal/question/metric paradigm to identify specific goals of the measurement effort and to identify requirement metrics worthy of further investigation. The second part employed a typical research design to gather perceptions that software professionals have of the utility of several metrics selected from those identified earlier. The study produced inconclusive results and further research is recommended. Results were based on a small sample and the data only reiterated the mixed opinions that software professionals have of the usefulness of software metrics. One significant finding is the consensus that a metric must be precisely defined for it to be accepted by the software community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246749
Entities
People
- James H. Byers
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology