GQM-based definition and evaluation of software project success indicators

KPI (Key Process Indicators) are usually defined very early in the project’s life, when little details about the project are known. Moreover, the definition of KPI does not always follow a systematic and effective methodology. As a result, KPI and project success indicators are often defined in a rather generic and imprecise manner. We need to precisely define KPI and project success indicators, guarantee that the data upon which they are based can be effectively and efficiently measured, and assure that the computed indicators are adequate with respect to project objectives, and represent the viewpoints of all the involved stakeholders. In this paper a complete and coherent process for managing KPI and success indicators lifecycle is proposed. The process is instrumented by well integrated techniques and tools, including the Goal/Question/Metrics (GQM) method for the definition of measures and the R statistic language and environment for analyzing data and computing indicators. The proposed process was applied in the evaluation of the research project MUSES. The MUSES case study shows that the proposed process provides an easy and well supported path to the definition and implementation of effective KPI and project success indicators.