An empirical study of software productivity

Abstract

We studied productivity in a real-life environment in the Italian public administration by applying the goal/question/metrics paradigm to define a productivity related measurement goal and derive measures that were deemed relevant to reach the stated goal. Productivity was studied from both a functional and a product size perspectives. Our study has highlighted a few factors that are related to either aspect of productivity. The results may provide software managers with support for evaluating and improving software processes, so they can make decisions based on more quantitative information.