Baseline-Based Framework for Continuous Software Process Improvement (CSPI)

Abstract

Software process improvement (SPI) continues to play a major role in quality software development. Advancement to high CMMI levels and retention of level mandates the use of documented and verifiable "continuous SPI". This paper describes a baseline-based quantitative approach to continuous SPI (referred to as CSPI). The approach works for both qualitative and quantitative SPI, but quantitative SPI is preferred and the focus is on quantitative CSPI. The primary pre-requisite for baseline-based CSPI is the identification of a measurable baseline parameter. Documented measurements of the parameter are made on a regular basis and comparisons are made to the original baseline value and optionally to subsequent non-baseline values. Delta comparisons and ratio comparisons can be made. The hallmark of a successful SPI strategy is a monotonically increasing delta or ratio comparison.