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A Technical History of the SEI

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techniques used in Six Sigma, such as Bayesian Belief Networks, matrix transformation, and subjective<br />

input calibration methods. The method quantifies uncertainties, allows subjective inputs,<br />

visually depicts influential relationships among program change drivers and outputs, and assists<br />

with <strong>the</strong> explicit description and documentation underlying an estimate.<br />

The Consequence: Effective, Quantitative Basis for Improvement<br />

The <strong>SEI</strong> work in measurement and analysis has had far-reaching impact. The core measures report<br />

became a foundational work and is referenced by many subsequent publications on s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />

measurement, and <strong>the</strong> definition checklists have been widely incorporated as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> approach<br />

for specifying measures for cost estimation. <strong>SEI</strong>-developed training courses on analyzing s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />

data help o<strong>the</strong>rs leverage <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> statistics in understanding and gaining insight from <strong>the</strong><br />

measures collected about s<strong>of</strong>tware projects, processes, and products.<br />

The <strong>SEI</strong> Contribution<br />

The <strong>SEI</strong> did not work alone in its attempt to move <strong>the</strong> measurement and analysis community forward.<br />

One specific application <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early measurement definition work was in conjunction with<br />

<strong>the</strong> Cost Constructive Cost Model (CoCoMo) [Boehm 2000]. A primary input to cost models is an<br />

estimate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>tware to be built. The CoCoMo model uses <strong>the</strong> <strong>SEI</strong>’s size definition<br />

checklist approach to specify <strong>the</strong> operational definition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> lines <strong>of</strong> code to be developed.<br />

Also, much work, especially in <strong>the</strong> early years, was done in collaboration with <strong>the</strong> Practical<br />

S<strong>of</strong>tware Measurement (PSM) initiative, sponsored by <strong>the</strong> DoD and <strong>the</strong> U.S. Army [PSM 2012].<br />

While <strong>the</strong>re are some differences in methods and techniques, <strong>the</strong> underlying principles in <strong>SEI</strong> and<br />

PSM measurement and analysis products are virtually <strong>the</strong> same. The <strong>SEI</strong> continues to participate<br />

in <strong>the</strong> PSM’s active, collaborative forum for measurement and analysis.<br />

The <strong>SEI</strong> has consistently conducted research and development related to measurement and analysis.<br />

While <strong>the</strong> initial focus was on helping to identify and standardize measures related to project management<br />

and process improvement, it grew to include <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> quantitative analytical techniques<br />

for use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data. Looking to <strong>the</strong> future, <strong>the</strong> <strong>SEI</strong> is developing a research agenda to investigate<br />

<strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> probabilistic and modeling techniques in measurement and analysis.<br />

References<br />

[Basili 1984] Basili, V. & Weiss, D. “A Methodology for Collecting Valid S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering<br />

Data.” IEEE Transactions on S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering 10, 3 (November 1984): 728-738.<br />

[Boehm 2000] Boehm, Barry W.; Abts, Chris; Brown, Winsor A.; Chulani, Sunita, et al. S<strong>of</strong>tware<br />

Cost Estimation With Cocomo II. Prentice Hall, 2000 (ISBN 0130266922).<br />

[Carleton 1992] Carleton, Anita; Park, Robert; Bailey, Elizabeth; Goe<strong>the</strong>rt, Wolfhart; Florac, William;<br />

& Pfleeger, Shari. S<strong>of</strong>tware Measurement for DoD Systems: Recommendations for Initial<br />

Core Measures (CMU/<strong>SEI</strong>-92-TR-019). S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University,<br />

1992. http://resources.sei.cmu.edu/library/asset-view.cfm?AssetID=11675<br />

[CPT 2002] CMMI Product Team. CMMI for S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering, Version 1.1, Staged Representation<br />

(CMMI-SW, V1.1, Staged) (CMU/<strong>SEI</strong>-2002-TR-029). S<strong>of</strong>tware Engineering Institute,<br />

CMU/<strong>SEI</strong>-2016-SR-027 | SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INSTITUTE | CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY 150<br />

Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited.

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