Managerial Issues in Developing a Quality Metrics Program

Software quality metrics are used to determine error prone code due to excessive complexity. These results can be used to guide testing efforts and predict future maintenance needs. However, implementing a quality metrics program involves many subtle issues which complicate the development and use of a metrics methodology. Many of theses issues are managerial in nature. This paper examines some managerial elements of designing and implementing a quality metrics program. Previous studies which incorporate a metrics methodology into two different commercial environments are used to demonstrate the difficulties in implementation and approach.