Empirical studies in software engineering

Many academics and practitioners believe that evaluation has a vital role to play in software engineering. As well as evaluating both application level and component level products, software engineers need to be concerned with the evaluation of development processes, engineering methods and supplier organizations. However, both academics and practitioners are concerned about the cost and effectiveness of applyinf many of hte existing assessment methods. One of the aims of the workshop was to address the question of justifying the use of empirical assessment and evaluation in software engineering, as well as to hear about practical experiences. Both this theme, together with the other issues involved in evaluation, were addresses through technical presentations and experience reports. Thus, the worlshop was a unique forum dedicated to the presentation and discussion of research and practical experiences addressing all aspects of empirical assessment and evaluation in software engineering.