Implementing Software Metrics Programs: A Survey of Lessons and Approaches

摘要

This survey provides an overview of the current research into what determines the success and failure of software metrics programs. We surveyed a selection of the literature, and lining a comprehensive framework, analyzed the papers to understand theimportant factors for implementing a successful metrics program. We determined that the research on implementation of metrics programs is conducted largely by practitioners and generally does not use formalized research methods. The focus is primarily onimmediate program implementation and data collection, and much less on the program purpose and the resulting improvements. We conclude that practitioners should consider factors outside of the immediate metrics program implementation, and that academiashould conduct more empirical studies of metrics programs using more rigorous research methods.