A Discussion on IS and Software Measurement Terminology: Flexibility as an Example

Abstract

Closeness in meaning of the terms in the information systems and software engineering may result in discussion of using proper affiliated terms while covering the scope of research. An example is touched in this exploratory study, which discusses flexibility and its affiliated terms: changeability, adaptability, compatibility, flexibility, expandability, extendibility, extensibility and portability. A risk of misinterpretation due to the variety of the usage of the term is noted whereas the adoption of the term has shown that the literature does not have such examples to a serious level; but this review informs about missing discussions in the research reports in the literature due to omitting or ignoring affiliated terms of the keywords. Another product of this paper is to provide basis for future studies in the flexibility as a quality factor in the software measurement.