Using the ProdFlow(TM) approach to address the myth of productivity in r&d organizations

Abstract

Software productivity has been analyzed traditionally in terms of size measures such as LOC or FP. These measures have failed to provide a comprehensive basis for productivity analysis. In the research department of the Siemens AG the new approach ProdFLOW™ for the analysis and management of a research & development organization's productivity is being created based on a revised understanding of the term productivity. Former studies often start with fixed, typical indicators and quantitatively analyze the relation between productivity and the indicator by regression models. ProdFLOW™ departs from the fixed model approach, which might not fit to the conditions of the organization. Instead an organization-specific model based on the substantial levers of the productivity, which are both influenceable and measurable, are compiled together with the experts of the organization. The paper explains the new approach as well as gives an example to illustrate our approach based on the results of three performed case studies.