Practical Software Measurement Update

Practical Software Measurement Program Update

Practical Software Measurement: A Guide to Objective Program Insight, was developed in response to the need for more effective techniques for managing DOD software intensive programs. The Practical Software Measurement (PSM) Program is sponsored by the Joint Logistics Commanders Joint Policy Coordinating Group on Computer Resources Management. Project participants include representatives from all of the DOD services and agencies involved in software measurement, as well as representatives from industry and academia.

The initial draft of 'Practical Software Measurement (PSM)' was distributed at the Software Technology Conference in April 1995. Since its initial release, the PSM has generated much interest within the DOD software community, and is already being implemented within many acquisition and development organizations.

The technical guidance included in the PSM was derived from actual DOD experience in applied software measurement. The PSM guidance emphasizes the integration of a practical measurement process within the program management function, and objective communication between the acquisition and development organizations. The measurement process is based upon a set of measurement principles that have been derived from successful program implementations. Rather than focus on a pre-defined set of measures, the PSM recommends the use of flexible measures and indicators driven by program-defined issues. Each measurement implementation, therefore, is tailored to the specific needs of the individual program.

PSM Version 2.0 is available and includes revisions to incorporate a revised software measurement planning model, enhanced analysis guidance, and an Automated Information Systems case study. In addition, PSM Version 2.0 addresses how to implement a measurement process on an existing program. A one-day PSM training curriculum is under development and will be available in September 1995. PSM Version 3.0 is scheduled for release in 1997 and will focus on advanced estimation and analysis techniques.

Additional information on the PSM Program and copies of the document are available from:

John McGarry
NUWC
(401) 841-3834 [email protected]

Use these buttons to navigate between newsletter articles.
[Previous Article] [Next Article] [In This Issue]