Apply quantitative management now

Quantitative management requires an understanding of the nature of variation and its use to improve process performance. Popular process reference models like CMMI embrace quantitative management at high maturity levels. However, even for high maturity levels, the number of available studies on the benefits of applying quantitative techniques is limited. The authors describe a systematic approach with a well-defined, detailed guideline intended for use by software organizations in assessing their processes and applying quantitative techniques to understand their potential for improvement. More specifically, Assessment Approach for Quantitative Process Management (A2QPM) evaluates the suitability of a software process and its measures for quantitative analysis. The authors discuss the application of this approach in 12 processes at six different organizations. The results show that, as systematic approaches and supporting tools become available, software organizations can readily apply quantitative techniques to improve their processes.