A targeted assessment of the software measurement process

Opportunities to improve measurement can be identified by evaluation at the level of specific people collecting and using specific measures in a speci fic work context. Evaluation at this level of abstraction requires multiple , purpose-built, assessment instruments. The meta-Measurement framework (M2 P) for developing and deploying targeted assessment instruments is outlined in this paper The paper describes a trial of the framework involving an as sessment of the relationship of measurement with the Key Process Area (KPA) of Project Tracking and Oversight (as in the SEI-CMM framework). The asses sment was conducted with a web-based survey instrument embodying models of measurement performance and best practice that were developed from the sent iments expressed by the organisation's staff The trial successfully identif ied opportunities to improve measurement support for Project Tracking and O versight. The trial also identified practices within the target KPA that co uld be improved. The trial demonstrated that it is feasible to use the M2P framework to conduct targeted assessments for software measurement improvem ent.