A framework for evaluation and prediction of metrics program success

The need for metrics programs as a part of the improvement process for software development and enhancement has been recognized in the literature. Suggestions have been made for the successful implementation of such programs but little empirical research has been conducted to verify these suggestions. This paper looks at the results of three metrics programs in three different software organizations with which the authors have worked, compares the metrics program development process in those organizations with an evaluation framework developed from the literature, and suggests extensions which may be needed to this framework.<>