Managing Development Productivity of the Computer Aided Software Engineering (Case) Process with Dynamic Life Cycle Trajectory Metrics

Abstract

This paper proposes a new vision for the measurement andmanagement of development productivity related to computer aidedsoftware engineering (CASE) technology. We propose that they bemonitored and controlled via the application of dynamic softwaredevelopment "life cycle trajectory metrics." This view developsout of management accounting approaches for process control andrecent advances in CASE technology that make automatedmeasurement possible. We suggest that current approaches involvethe use of "static metricsâ¬Â? for estimation and evaluation, withthe result that the depth of the insights they can provide tomanagement is necessarily limited. They only provide "pointestimatesâ¬Â? of output or productivity at the beginning and end ofthe project. Yet to manage software development proactively forimproved efficiency and effectiveness, management needs to trackthe range of activities and effort across the entire softwaredevelopment life cycle. This can only be accomplished whentimely and relevant information is obtained about the softwaresize output, as well as costs, via â¬ÂSdynamic metrics,â¬Â? whichprovide a richer phase-by-phase view.