2.7 Metrics

Question 1

Metric

Answer 1

composite of meaningful, quantifiable product or process attributes, taken over time, that communicate important information about quality, processes, technology, products, and/or resources.

Metrics measure what can be measured, what is known, and what is valued.

The metrics selected drive the team’s behavior and establish team accountability.

Question 2

Measurement

Answer 2

Measurements are simply the raw data from which metrics are calculated.

Question 3

Three types of metrics

Answer 3

Progress metrics - are used to monitor the health and status of the program. They may be considered control metrics since they serve as alarms for adverse trends; these metrics must allow for the detection of adverse trends in sufficient time to permit corrective actions.

Product metrics - are measures of a program’s technical maturity and are tied to the key performance parameters of a product.

Process metrics - assess the quality and productivity of a program’s processes. In order to improve a process, it must be understood and measured.

Question 4

Six characteritcs of metrics

Answer 4

1. relevance
2. Accuracy
3. Precision
4. Repeatability
5. Timeliness
6. Cost Effectiveness