List of Measurements
table 17.1 Measurement Plan outline
230 n Interpreting the CMMI
in the Measurement Plan needs to include your project??™s and/or organization??™s
definition of each measure. Don??™t assume that because you know what a ???defect??? is
that everyone else has the same definition in mind. Be sure to keep your definition
practical. Defining metrics is not an academic exercise.
Some Problems You May encounter
The following is a list of problems we have encountered in metrics programs found
in organizations. This list may be used as a checklist for any metrics or metrics
programs you have implemented in your organization.
Metrics are collected but not used
No mechanism exists to distribute project performance metrics for review,
comparison, and use
Project-level metrics do not appear to be used to help project managers manage
their projects
No understanding of the value of metrics or how to use them is found
No formal feedback loop found on the quality of the metrics, questions about
them, and so forth
Metrics reports are hard to review for trends
Metrics data are inconsistent
Personnel collect and input data that they think are right but are unsure
A standard work breakdown structure (WBS) (a basic building block for
management activities) is not followed consistently, and metrics cannot be
traced back to WBS activities
No one reviews the metrics data in the various databases for data integrity
Training and communication are not occurring throughout the organization
Procedures need to be devised to document metrics generation, collection,
review, and use
Existing procedures need to be updated to reflect changes
Automated tools are not used, or the wrong automated tool is used, or the
automated tool is used incorrectly
The metrics reports are hard to read and understand
Procedures are not well defined or consistently followed (usage of ???may ??¦ if
desired ??¦ at PM??™s discretion???)
The time it takes to identify, track, collect, and report the metrics is not
measured
Redundant data entry is rampant
n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
A Boatload of Metrics n 231
recommendations
Recommendations fall into two main categories:
1.
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