What to Learn from Different Standards and Measurement Approaches? Is a Pragmatic Integrative Approach Possible?

Abstract

Several measurement approaches such as Balanced Score Cards (BSC), Six Sigma, or Goal Question Metrics (GQM), can be applied to set up and embedd measurement programs within the scope of software projects. Different approaches may highlight different aspects of the measurement process or address different organizational levels. They may also show complementary aspects and provide a maximum of benefit when jointly applied. Often different approaches are applied by different groups within one same organization and effort has to be spent to integrate different measurement initiatives. To maximize the information gain and minimize the effort to be spent in measurement-related activities, informed decisions have to be made and the right approaches must be chosen when setting up a measurement program. The aim of this workshop is to present single measurement approaches currently available, share experience gathered from their application, and sketch a map to assist preliminary decision making when defining measurement programs.