Measurement and Metrics

Keynotes

K5 The Mismeasure of Software: The Last Talk on Measurement You’ll Ever Need to Hear

Lee Copeland, Software Quality Engineering

Thu, 05/02/2013 - 4:15pm

Lee Copeland maintains that most organizations have some kind of metrics program—and almost all are ineffective. After explaining the concept of measurement, Lee describes two key reasons for these almost universal metrics program failures. The first major mistake people make is forgetting that the model we are using for measurement is not necessarily reality. The second major blunder is treating ideas as if they were real things and then counting them.

Tutorials

MG Measurement and Metrics for Test Managers

Rick Craig, Software Quality Engineering

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 8:30am

To be most effective, test managers must develop and use metrics to help direct the testing effort and make informed recommendations about the software’s release readiness and associated risks. Because one important testing activity is to “measure” the quality of the software, test managers must measure the results of both the development and testing processes. Collecting, analyzing, and using metrics is complicated because many developers and testers are concerned that the metrics will be used against them.

MJ Quantifying the Value of Testing

Lloyd Roden, Lloyd Roden Consultancy

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 8:30am

“Testing costs too much.” “We don’t get the value we should from the investment we make.” “Testing just delays the project.” Familiar sayings in your organization? Although testing is accepted by most as an integral part of any software development lifecycle, some see it as a hole in which to throw money rather than as an investment in quality. In order to gain credibility and reduce the negative views of our work, we testers and test managers must show senior management a clear return on their investment.

Concurrent Sessions

W6 Yin and Yang: Metrics within Agile and Traditional Lifecycles

Shaun Bradshaw, Zenergy Technologies, Inc.

Bob Galen, RGalen Consulting

Wed, 05/01/2013 - 11:30am

Metrics are powerful tools when used to effect positive change in a project or organization. However, the value and benefits of metrics are often dependent on the context. While certain metrics provide information and insight to drive decision making for a traditional development approach, they may not be useful in an agile landscape—and vice versa. QA and agile experts Shaun Bradshaw and Bob Galen delve into the value, pitfalls, pros, and cons of various metrics in agile and waterfall development environments.