Q-MOPP - QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS, PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS

In this paper, we propose a qualitative, inductive method for characte rizing and evaluating software maintenance processes, thereby identify ing their specific problems and needs. This method encompasses a set o f procedures which attempt to determine causal links between maintenan ce problems and flaws in the maintenance organization and process. Thi s allows for a set of concrete steps to be taken for maintenance quali ty and productivity improvement, based on a tangible understanding of the relevant maintenance issues in a particular maintenance environmen t. Moreover, this understanding provides a solid basis on which to def ine relevant software maintenance models and measures. A case study of the application of this method, called Q-MOPP, is presented to furthe r illustrate its feasibility and benefits, (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.