The Role of GQM in the PROFES Improvement Methodology

In the ESPRIT project PROFES (PROduct-Focused Improvement of Embedded Software processes) a goal-driven process improvement methodology been developed that combines and enhances methods like goal-oriented measurement, product assessment, process assessment, and process modelling. So far, the PROFES improvement methodology has been applied in multiple projects at three industrial embedded software development organisations. In all three organisations considerable product quality and process improvements have been achieved. A fundamental element of the PROFES improvement methodology is goal-oriented measurement conducted according to the principles of the Goal/Question/Metric (GQM) paradigm. In the PROFES improvement methodology GQM is used for several purposes: (1) characterisation and evaluation of product quality, (2) characterisation and evaluation of process performance, (3) modelling and evaluation of product-process dependencies, and (4) facilitation of continuous assessment. In t he course of the PROFES project, GQM was also used to evaluate the PROFES improvement methodology in all three industrial software development organisations. This paper outlines the PROFES improvement methodology and reports experience with its application in three software development organisations. The different roles of GQM in the PROFES improvement methodology are presented in detail.