Software Measurements at Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Software measurement processes are crucial to recognize, assess, identify and measure software products and resources. However, the successful measurement processes implementation is a challenging task in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main goal of this thesis is to propose a measurement framework to assess the significant factors that may influence the successful measurement processes implementation in Software SMEs. A multi-method research technique is used to perform this research. A systematic mapping study is conducted to extract the significant factors, challenges, and limitations that may affect the successful implementation of measurement processes in software organizations. A search string is prepared and, applied to different databases (IEEE, ACM, Springer etc) to identify the relevant studies. In total, 24 primary studies are finalized after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the primary studies are explored comprehensively and, identified success factors are categorized in seven major constructs. A measurement framework is proposed for adaptation of measurement processes in software SMEs based on the findings of the mapping study. A total of seven constructs (success factors) are defined in the proposed framework. The proposed framework is evaluated using an online survey. An online survey is conducted from the software professionals in software organizations of Pakistan. In total, 217 responses were collected and a data set is prepared. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique is used to evaluate the data set. Statistical tools (AMOS and SPSS) are used for factor analysis and hypothesis testing. The statistical results shows that the proposed framework is acceptable due to satisfactory values of model fit indices and use of reliable items in the path diagram. In hypotheses testing, two of the seven constructs (External Forces, Management Commitment) are found to have a significant effect on successful measurement processes in software organizations. The proposed framework can be extended by adding more factors and it can also be verified in software industries of different countries.