A Bayesian network approach to assess and predict software quality using activity-based quality models

Abstract

Assessing and predicting the complex concept of software quality is still challenging in practice as well as research. Activity-based quality models break down this complex concept into more concrete definitions, more precisely facts about the system, process and environment and their impact on activities performed on and with the system. However, these models lack an operationalisation that allows to use them in assessment and prediction of quality. Bayesian Networks (BN) have been shown to be a viable means for assessment and prediction incorporating variables with uncertainty. This paper describes how activity-based quality models can be used to derive BN models for quality assessment and prediction. The proposed approach is demonstrated in a proof of concept using publicly available data.