Providing Automated Support for the GQM Measurement Process

0 7 4 0 7 4 5 9 / 0 0 / $ 1 0 . 0 0 © 2 0 0 0 I E E E This article illustrates the automation of the most expensive phases of a Goal Question Metrics (GQM) measurement process. In particular, I describe the use of a specific tool for the definition, collection, analysis, and feedback of measures, and the techniques to interface such a tool with a configuration management system and metrics tools. (See the “Research and Practice” sidebar for more background information.) A measurement program at Pirelli Cavi, the Italian division of Pirelli Cables and Systems, has employed these techniques to automate the extraction of reliable and process-conformant data for the development of a Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) product. Although I focus on the GQM methodology, this work also provides general indications that apply in other contexts.