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Thomas Fehlmann

Combinatory Metrics for Software Development
Aligning Software Development with Customer's Needs

Track: J2

Abstract:
Combinatory Metrics is the science of defining metrics for topics that are not directly measurable. Such topics exist in abundance in the area of software development.
This paper explains the technique to establish a network of combinators to cover the topics for which we want to get metrics. The basic techniques are the cause - effect combinators well known from QFD ("Quality Function Deployment"). The combination technique is taken from Combinatory Algebra, a theory used in computer science to understand the nature of computing with knowledge about topics.
It also presents the experiences made when applying these techniques to a medium-sized software development group working for a niche market. People do not necessarily like metrics, but metrics can be very helpful when navigating through difficult zones and hit markets.
Keywords
Comprehensive Quality Function Deployment, Quality Function Deployment in the Broad Sense, Software Development, Risk Management, Software Development Metrics, Software Testing, Business Combinators, Test Combinators, Lanchester Theory.

Author:
Dr. Thomas Fehlmann obtained in 1981 a Ph.D. in mathematics from the Federal Technical Institute in Zurich (ETH-Z). He then joined the University Of Delaware, Newark DE, as a Visiting Assistant Professor. Back in Switzerland, he went into software development as engineering manager.
In 1990, he became Quality Consultant in the project office of DEC Switzerland. He designed and implemented several quality management systems for systems integration and software development, introduced the QFD blitz for quality planning in IT projects, coached bid managers and project managers and established project controlling, and made various contributions to the development of quality management and techniques.
Between 1996 and 1998, he established and managed Proposal Centers for Unisys Switzerland and Italy.
Since 1999, he founded Euro Project Office, Member of the IT Quality Group. In 2001, he received the renowned Akao price for his contributions to the development of Quality Function Deployment.
Dr. Thomas Fehlmann is a frequent writer, facilitator, and teacher in various aspects of project management, quality function deployment (QFD), risk management, software testing and a busy consultant for various customers in Europe.

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