Solution

Project Metrics

Quantitative measures of project characteristics (not product) to monitor and control.

Types with Examples

1. Size-oriented:

• Based on LOC. e.g., $Productivity = KLOC / PM$, $Quality = Defects/KLOC$, $Cost = Cost/KLOC$
• Ex: 10 KLOC in 5 PM → 2 KLOC/PM

2. Function-oriented:

• Based on Function Points (FP). e.g., $Productivity = FP/PM$, $Quality = Defects/FP$
• Ex: 200 FP in 5 PM → 40 FP/PM; more language-independent than LOC.

3. Process / Schedule Metrics:

• Schedule Variance = Actual vs Planned duration
• Effort Variance = Actual vs Estimated PM
• Ex: Estimated 10 PM, actual 12 PM → 20% overrun

4. Quality / Defect Metrics:

• Defect Removal Efficiency, Defect Density (also project quality)
• Ex: DRE 90% means 90% bugs removed before delivery.

All help in estimation, tracking and process improvement.