Improving Performance

Improving Performance

SMS’ core skills are in implementing measurement and process improvement programmes to improve software performance.

Software Process Improvement

Process Improvement is an iterative process to deliver change for the betterment of business performance by quickly finding solutions to the specific problems that need addressing. Relying on input and feed-back from all the stakeholders, this means changes to not only the work processes, but also to individual behaviour and expectations. The changes to support process technology must be effective, with an internal infrastructure that enables the individuals to happily continue with these improvements.

Process Improvement is particularly important in an unstable and dynamic business environment. A structured and embedded process improvement programme facilitates the adaptability essential to maintain operational efficiency through re-organisation, restructuring, outsourcing, mergers and acquisitions.

Constant improvement is essential to maintain advantage in increasingly competitive markets. Better processes increase predictability and control of the software development lifecycle. Typical process improvement goals include higher software quality, lower development and maintenance costs, reduced time to market.

Software Measurement Services provides a range of consultancy and training designed to assist clients improve their processes for software development, maintenance and support.

Software Process Improvement should be considered as a continuous improvement cycle, with change at its core. The actual needs and business goals of the organisation determine the improvements required and each improvement cycle has a series of specific improvement actions, to successfully introduce new or altered practices. Continual learning and evolution are prerequisites for competitive survival. Involvement of the whole team, as well as the key stakeholders, is important to ensure understanding at every level and to avoid dysfunctional behaviour, which may negatively impact on the success of the project. Constant improvement is essential to maintain competitive advantage.

Software Measurement and Improvement

Organisations are unlikely to achieve lasting performance improvements without a sustained, successful, output-based measurement regime. Measurement and improvement are “two sides of one coin”. Achievement of process improvement goals should be measured quantitatively to ensure that the project runs to time and budget. Measureable benefits delivered by improvement programmes can be made visible and accountable, enabling IT to be managed as effectively as any other area of business.

Measurement of performance provides a clear picture of current status and what changes are necessary to address any issues, whilst providing a . Once required changes have been quantified the cost can be more accurately assessed which will aid the budgeting process.

Consistent collection of metrics provides a mechanism for benchmarking and forward planning. It informs improved estimating and risk management. For a completed project, or work package, metrics can be used as an audit tool to provide assurance that the required goals and quality levels have been achieved.

What to measure?

The various aspects of performance must be measured along with their drivers ( such as: technology, staff experience and constraints) so that the observed performance may be correctly allocated a numerical interpretation.

The entities of Products, Processes and Resources, must be identified and their internal and external attributes must be assessed for measurement. The key dimensions for the attributes of the entities are usually:

Productivity = size / (effort or cost) - 'software size' being the measure of work output

Speed of delivery = size / elapsed time

Product Quality =defects / size - number of changes required

These variables are tradeable, and it is essential this is understood in the decision-making process. For example it may be possible to deliver a system faster than normal by adding extra personnel, resulting in lower productivity and higher cost. Product quality may also suffer in the process. The downside of such an approach may be acceptable if the business benefits of the system are obtained earlier. Conversely under-staffed projects may be efficient, but take a long time to complete.

Measuring the wrong things, or treating the measures themselves as goals instead of applying them to the decision-making process, leads to dysfunctional behaviour which can detract disasterously from the strategic direction of the organisation.

Software Measurement Services offers a package of services to help you succeed in establishing, implementating and sustaining effective software measurement. This comprehensive package of services includes:

• formal training and learning breaks
• coaching & mentoring
• auditing
• on-going “help-desk” style support using the SMS Metrics Mentor Support Service.

All SMS services supporting process improvement and software measurement can be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation and your process improvement programme. Contact sales@measuresw.com to discuss how we can help you.