Metric-Based Software Evaluation Method

Based on a set of case studies in eight European countries a method of software evaluation has been designed within ESPRIT Project SCOPE (Software evaluation and certification programme Europe). This method deals with several types of information: software characteristics and metrics, product and process information, and evaluation techniques. In order to be applicable the method is supported by a five step procedure which analyses the quality requirements, specifies, designs and conducts the evaluation, and finally, reports on the collection of all documents produced in an evaluation report. The thoroughness of software evaluation is expressed by evaluation levels; encapsulations of evaluation techniques, in order to measure a quality attribute and manage the whole process more easily, are described by evaluation modules. Two guides have been produced and have been submitted to the responsible ISO/IEC JTC1 sub-committee for review and inclusion in normative documents being developed for the application of ISO/IEC 9126. This method proposed can work with customised models as well as with standards. Prerequisite