What is Goal-Driven Metrics

This chapter describes the evolution of approaches to empirical software engineering from goal and data-driven to the latest purchaser-centered approach. The new Japanese Software Traceability and Accountability for Global software Engineering (StagE) project is developing this approach to ensure the transparency of software development processes and products for software purchasers by “tagging” software with empirical software development data. Global software development raises unprecedented difficulties for developers, including the international and intercorporate coordination of development and distribution, the change to composition as the primary development approach, the shift to software everywhere talking to everything, and continuing upgrades and interaction with released software. To work effectively in this environment, empirical data collection, analysis, and feedback must extend throughout the software lifecycle including both production and usage data.