Technical Issues Related to IT Governance Tactics: Product Metrics, Measurements and Process Control

This chapter deals with some technical aspects of the strategies for IT Governance described in most of the other chapters of this book. The practical application of IT Governance techniques and tactics requires the collection and analysis of measurable data that guide estimation, decision-making and assessment, since it is common sense that one can control and manage better what one is able to measure. This chapter aims at introducing the reader to product metrics and measurements, proposing methods relating to the implementation of a measurements program and analyzing how product metrics can be used to control IT development. Focus is placed on product metrics, measurements and process control techniques. Such instruments can aid significantly in monitoring the development process and making IT-related tasks more transparent to IT managers. They also aid in design, Technical Issues Related to IT Governance Tactics 217 Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. prediction and assessment of the IT product quality. They provide data used for decision-making, cost and effort estimation, fault prevention, and testing time reduction. Moreover, the use of product metrics and process control techniques can direct the standardization of IT products and IT development process, as well as the assessment of the process maturity of outsourcing partners. The most commonly used metrics are presented and the reader is introduced to measurement techniques and automation tools. This chapter also discusses the application of metrics along with statistical process control tools. Finally, it provides suggestions on how product metrics can aid towards IT Governance not only in large IT companies, but also in the smaller ones.