Touseef Tahir

A systematic literature review on software measurement programs

ContextSoftware measurement programs (MPs) are an important means for understanding, evaluating, managing, and improving software processes, products and resources. However, implementing successful MPs still remains a challenge. ObjectivesTo make a comprehensive review of the studies on MPs for bringing into light the existing measurement planning models and tools used for implementing MPs,the accumulated knowledge on the success/failure factors of MPs and mitigation strategies to address their challenges. MethodsA Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted. In total, 65primary studies were reviewed and analyzed. ResultsWe identified 35 measurement planning models and 11 associated tools, most of which either proposed extensions or improvements for goal based approaches. The identified success factors include (a) organizational adoption of MP, (b) integration of MP with SDLC, (c) synchronization of MP with SPI and (d) design of MP. The mostly mentioned mitigation strategies for addressing challenges are effective change management and measurement stakeholder management, automated tool support and incorporation of engineering mechanisms for designing sustainable, effective, scalable and extendible MPs, and measurement expertise and standards development. ConclusionMost of the success factors and mitigation strategies have interdependencies. Therefore, for successful MP implementation, software organizations should consider these factors in combination and make a feasibility study at the very beginning.

A Systematic Review on Software Measurement Programs

Most of the measurement programs fail to achieve targeted goals. This paper presents outcomes of systematic review on software measurement programs. The aim of the study is to analyse goal based measurement models/frameworks applications/tools and success factors. 1579 research studies were reviewed in the beginning and on basis of predefined criteria 28 studies were chosen for analysis. The selection of research studies was done on the basis of structured procedure of systematic review. Outcome of this study consists of observations and suggestions on the basis of analysis of selected studies.

A structured goal based measurement framework enabling traceability and prioritization

Software measurement has become a vital process in software organizations due its significant role in software management and software process improvement. A number of models and frameworks have been developed to support organizations to plan their measurement processes based on their goals. Goals Questions Metrics (GQM), Goal Question Indicator Model (GQIM) and Measurement Information Model (MIM) are among such models with various extensions. However, as the sizes of the software organizations and the number of stakeholders become larger, the measurement frameworks become more complex due to the high number of goals as well as the horizontal and vertical dependencies among them. These call for the need to have more visible and structured measurement process, which would enable prioritization and traceability. This paper discusses such a framework, called Structured Prioritized Goal Question Metrics (SPGQM) and a case study conducted in a CMMI Level 5 certified company in order to validate this framework.

A Systematic Mapping Study on Software Measurement Programs in SMEs

Context: Software measurement programs are essential to understand, evaluate, improve and predict the software processes, products and resources. However, the successful implementation of software measurement programs (MPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is challenging. Objective: To perform a detailed analysis of studies on MPs for highlighting the existing measurement models, tools, metrics selection methods and challenges for implementing MPs in SMEs. Methods: A Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) is conducted. Results: In total, 35 primary studies are comprehensively analysed. We identified 29 software measurement models and 4 tools specifically designed for MPs in SMEs. The majority of the measurement models (51%) are built upon software process improvement approaches. With respect to the measurement purposes of models, the distribution of MPs was identified as: characterization (63%), evaluation (83%), improvement (93%) and prediction (16%). The majority of primary studies discussed the use of measurement experts and experience (60%) followed by the use of measurement standards (40%) and the use of automated tools (22%) for metrics selection in MPs. It was found that the SMEs and large organizations face different challenges which was shown in studies on challenges reported in SMEs reports . The challenges existed even before the implementation of MPs and were connected with infrastructure and management processes in SMEs. The challenges reported by studies in large organizations are mostly related to the issues discovered while implementing MPs. Conclusion: The analysis of measurement models, tools, metrics selection methods and challenges of implementing MPs should help SMEs to make a feasibility study before implementing a MP.

Software Test Effort Estimation: State of the Art in Turkish Software Industry

Good planning and managing software test process require accurate estimation of software test effort. This becomes particularly significant when validation and verification activities are to be performed by an independent organization. This study presents a systematic literature review and a follow up industrial survey, which was performed to investigate the state of the art on software test effort estimation and the current practice of software industry in Turkey. The results showed that only few of the methods and metrics discussed in the literature are used by the industry. Furthermore, industrial participants have a general opinion that these methods could be improved by making use of additional metrics. Hence, there is a significant need for collaborative studies between industry and academia.

A Comparison of Software Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Programs in Pakistan

Computing field has been revolutionized in last three decades throughout the world. A large number of universities are offering undergraduate Computer Science and Software degrees in Pakistan. It is an imperative for high school students to know convergences and divergences between both degree programs before securing admission. The trend of introducing undergraduate Software Engineering degree in universities is growing with the passage of time throughout the world. The key question for selection of Software Engineering degree is how to differentiate it from undergraduate Computer Science degree which has already much success and market share. Due to new emerging degree of Software Engineering in Pakistan, there is still confusion and debate about the distinction of Software Engineering and Computer Science roadmaps for undergraduate studies. This paper presents comparison of undergraduate Software Engineering degree with undergraduate Computer Science degree. The comparison will help academic institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to analyze and evaluate both degree programs. We present our observations and suggestions to improve current practices regarding representation, management and improvement in Software Engineering and Computer Science domain of academia.