Software Assessments, Benchmarks, and Best Practices

Traditionally, qualitative software assessments and quantitative benchmarking have been performed separately -- if at all. Moreover, many quantitative benchmarks have been proprietary secrets. Now, world-renowned authority Capers Jones has integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches into the first complete methodology for identifying best -- and worst -- software development practices. Readers will discover more effective ways to leverage assessment techniques such as the Capability Maturity Model (CMM); learn the best benchmarks and metrics; and link quantitative benchmarks to qualitative assessments. The methodology presented in this book gives developers and managers a powerful new way to project and evaluate the productivity and quality improvements associated with changes in software processes. The result: better quality, achieved more quickly and at lower cost.